What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to establish practical sonographic criteria to distinguish between benign and suspicious axillary lymph nodes in breast imaging.

March 3, 2026Open Access

Ultrasound Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Imaging: Practical Criteria for Differentiating Benign and Suspicious Findings

Key Points

The aim is to establish practical sonographic criteria to distinguish between benign and suspicious axillary lymph nodes in breast imaging.
Reviewed existing literature on ultrasound criteria for lymph node evaluation.
Focused on key morphological features like cortical thickness and vascular patterns.
Analyzed their relevance in diagnosing breast pathology.
Identified specific criteria that improve differentiation between benign and malignant nodes.
Cortical thickness and nodal shape are critical for assessing malignancy.
Improved diagnostic confidence was reported using established imaging features.

Abstract

Breast ultrasound frequently includes evaluation of the axillary lymph nodes, particularly in patients with suspected or confirmed breast pathology. Accurate interpretation of lymph node morphology is essential to differentiate benign reactive nodes from potentially malignant involvement. This article provides a concise practical review of the sonographic criteria used to evaluate axillary lymph nodes, including cortical thickness, hilar preservation, nodal shape, and vascular patterns. Understanding these imaging features can help clinicians identify suspicious findings that require further investigation and improve diagnostic confidence in breast imaging practice.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Imaging: Practical Criteria for Differentiating Benign and Suspicious Findings

Key Points

Abstract

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