What ultrasound finding is characteristic of lymphadenopathy, indicated by a distinct pattern?

• A. Lymphadenopathy
• B. Normal lymph nodes
• C. Breast cysts
• D. Ductal carcinoma

Answer: (A)

Lymphadenopathy on breast ultrasound is identified by enlarged lymph nodes that show a distinct pattern compared to normal nodes. In reactive or inflammatory cases, you’ll see increased size with cortical thickening, often preserving the fatty hilum. If the involvement is malignant, the node may become round, the hilum may be lost or displaced, and there can be altered or peripheral vascularity on Doppler. This pattern of enlarged nodes distinguishes lymphadenopathy from normal nodes, breast cysts (which are anechoic with posterior enhancement), or ductal carcinoma (which usually presents as a solid irregular mass with sharp or spiculated margins).