Lymphoscintigraphy

What is the purpose of a lymphoscintigraphy?
The purpose of this scan is to locate and mark the sentinel node. A sentinel node is the first lymph node from the tumor site.

How is a lymphoscintigraphy performed?
You will be asked to lie on a special table that enables pictures to be made of the tumor area. A nuclear medicine physician will give you four to six shots around the tumor area. These shots contain a small amount of radioactive material.

Pictures are then taken to see where the radioactivity travels. Pictures will continue to be taken until the first lymph node, called the sentinel node, shows up. This could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

After identifying the sentinel node, the nuclear medicine physician will mark the node. You will then be taken to the pre-surgery area.

How do I prepare for a lymphoscintigraphy?
You must check with your doctor to make certain that you are scheduled for both nuclear medicine and the operating room. On the day of your exam, check in with the Registration Area before reporting to the nuclear medicine department. You may also receive a needle localization (numbing of the area?) prior to coming for the lymphoscintigraphy.

How will I feel after I have a lymphoscintigraphy?
The radioactive shot will have no effect on how you feel. However, you may experience some discomfort from the shots.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After finding the sentinel node, the nuclear medicine physician will immediately get the results to your surgeon.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.