Running Head: ULTRASONOGRAPHY: DETECTION OF LYMPH NODE 1

Palpation vs. Ultrasonography: Detection of Lymph Node

Cheniet G. Jabuen

Biliran Province State University

ULTRASONOGRAPHY: DETECTION OF LYMPH NODE 2

Abstract
Ultrasonography reflects on the research study comparing the ability to use ultrasonography vs.

palpation technique for the detection of regional lymph node metastases of melanoma. To come

up with acceptable and unbiased results the researchers invited a total of 160 new consecutive

patients with stage I to stage III melanoma. The duration of this study was six years; in the overall

data analysis, out of 160 patients, there are patients with multiple melanoses found. Thirty-three

patients were developed by nodal metastasis. When a firm and enlarged node found it can be

considered a metastasis. However, on ultrasonographic examination, circular or oval hypoechoic

lymph nodes lacking hyperechoic hila were deemed to be metastatic on stringent criteria (Saiag P.

et al.2019). These are the signs of the nodes to be considered suspicious. Also, it includes the

intranasal nodular hypoechoic focus and irregularity of the node margin. This prospective study

has been demonstrated the effectiveness of using the two techniques.

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The cases of melanoma have been in continuity throughout the years, especially in the

Philippines. As I've read the research study, the researchers used two techniques, such as palpation

and ultrasonography (using simple diagnostic criteria). Ultrasonography is a test in which high-

frequency sound waves are bounced of tissues, and the echoes are converted into a picture

(sonogram) (Shiel W.,2018). Today, we lived in a generation where technologies are used

everywhere. Nursing has evolved through time, and the care nurses provide must tailor itself to

these changes. The impact of prior LD on the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography was not

assessed on the patients with stage III, along with patients with stage l and ll melanoma. As stated

by the researchers, ultrasonography was accurate than to palpation in diagnosing lymph node

metastasis in patients with stage I, stage II, or even stage III melanoma. Stringent ultrasonographic

criteria, which are easy to recognize, should be used (Saiag P. et al.2019).

To reconcile the problem stated, we must use Locsin's theory, which is the Theory of

Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing. The theory states the essence of technology in

health care, such as the ultrasonography to detect lymph node metastases of melanoma. However,

palpation must still be recognized because nurses must stay rooted in human caring while adapting

to this technological advancement. Nursing works to frame the relationship between nursing care

and the use of technology. You should be flexible enough not just to learn but also to handle such

changes to become a nurse. To relate the theory to the article, using technology on assessing will

depends on the diagnosis of a nurse. In order to come up with an accurate diagnosis and to do a

proper treatment, a nurse must be knowledgeable enough.

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Reference

Saiag, P., et al (2019). Ultrasonography using Simple Diagnostic Criteria vs Palpation for the

Detection of Regional Lymph Node Metastases of Melanoma.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/392778

Locsin, RC., (2017). The Co-Existence of Technology and Caring in the Theory of

Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28373615/ Saiag P, Bernard M, Beauchet A,