[Study of lymph nodes in lung cancer in experimental animals using the indirect lymphography method and a computer].

Combination of the "PEEC-D" microfocal X-ray apparatus with the DED-3 computerized detector of X-radiation and an electronic computer made it possible to produce a considerably magnified image of the lymph nodes on the display screen and study their structure. The mediastinal lymph nodes differ in structure in different pathological conditions, due to which they can be differentiated. Under normal conditions the lymph nodes have a regular density and a characteristic microcellular structure due to the uncontrasted follicles. In chronic inflammation the lymph nodes have an indistinct capsule. The contrasting and structural pattern of the parenchyma are greatly diminished. The enlarged uncontrasted follicles are spherical. Lymph nodes containing metastases change their configuration sharply and undergo three-dimensional transformation. In the presence of metastases the lymph nodes multiply by separating part of the node.