Lymphoscintigraphy

Nuclear Medicine studies (scintigraphy) are methods of Diagnostic Imaging that use radioactive isotopes. They are prescribed to detect both morphological and especially functional alterations of the different organs and systems. Depending on the types of radiotracers used, scintigraphies allow visualizing the structure and function of different organs and systems.

Lymphoscintigraphy is a method for the study of lymphatic vessels.

Lymphoscintigraphy

What does it consist of?

Lymphoscintigraphy is a diagnostic imaging method that uses tracers labeled with radioactive isotopes to study lymphatic vessels.

It consists of the subcutaneous injection of a radiotracer (nanocolloids labeled with Technetium-99m). Subsequently, images are obtained in front of a device (gamma camera), from 20 minutes to 3 hours post-injection.

The images may be localized, full body or tomographic (SPECT). Objective: Identify or rule out different lymphatic pathologies, to contribute to the diagnosis, prognostic assessment and adequate treatment.

When is it recommended?

Who is lymphoscintigraphy intended for?

Your doctor may recommend a lymphoscintigraphy in the following cases:

To evaluate the function of the lymphatic system and detect possible alterations in lymphatic drainage.
To identify the location of the sentinel lymph node in patients with certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer or melanoma.
To detect obstructions or alterations in the lymphatic vessels.
To study cases of lymphedema and assess its extent and severity.
To monitor lymphatic system diseases or oncological treatments.

Preparation for the test

Instructions

In general, scintigraphy tests last approximately 3 hours. A contrast agent will be administered upon arrival, and the test—which takes between 10 and 15 minutes—cannot be performed until it has taken effect. Patients may choose to wait in one of our rooms or walk around the surrounding area while waiting for the tracer to be absorbed.

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