[Tests and imaging of the lymphatic system].

Methods for lymphatic imaging are numerous and can be roughly classified as anatomic or functional studies. Direct or indirect lymphographies provide useful informations in case of lymphostasis. Contrast lymphangiography is the only anatomical method giving precise informations either on lymphatic ducts or lymph nodes.

[The importance of lymphography in melanoma].

It is a pity that, in view of its important prognostic value and for technical reasons, or because of problems of interpretation, lymphography should no longer be part of a routine work-up for diagnosing melanoma. Indeed, bipedal lymphography can accurately reveal the extent of node invasion in case of palpable adenopathy. It provides for the monitoring of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes after inguinal curettage has been accomplished.

[Lymphography of the upper limb in malignant melanoma].

Owing to its technical difficulty and to an imperfect knowledge of its semiology, lymphography of the upper limb is rarely used. However, experience makes it easy to perform and of considerable value and reliability for diagnostic purposes. Its main advantage in patients with palpable lymphadenopathy is that lymph node excision can be avoided in many cases provided the subjects are regularly followed up.

MOPP chemotherapy plus irradiation for Hodgkin's disease, stages IA to IIIB. Long-term results of the prospective trial H72 (1972-1976, 334 patients).

From April 1972 to December 1976, 334 patients with Hodgkin's disease, CS IA-IIIB, were prospectively treated with combined chemotherapy and radiation. The 166 stages IA and II2A were clinically staged only; the 168 other patients were randomized to clinical or pathological staging. All patients received 3 or 6 cycles of MOPP followed by Mantle field with or without mediastinal irradiation and/or inverted Y or lumbo-aortic field according to initial stage, presentation and protocol.