Real-time ultrasonography of the abdomen and pelvis was performed in 129 patients with malignant lymphoma and malignant tumors in the course of clinical and pathological staging. The results of real-time ultrasonography were compared with the findings of computed tomography, lymphography and staging laparotomy. Analysis of the data indicated a sensitivity of 72,6% a specificity of 88,8% and an overall accuracy of 78.3%. Real-time ultrasonography, thus, proved to be an efficient screening method for abdominal and pelvic lymphadenopathy. It can reduce the number of lymphographies as well as abdominal CT examinations. Sonographic anatomy of the lymph system and the varying features of lymphomatous involvement in the peritoneal cavity and retroperitoneal space are described, diagnostic pitfalls and the clinical importance of real-time ultrasonography in the diagnostic work-up in patients with adenopathy are detailed.