At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre, get Lymphoscintigraphy, an advanced diagnostic imaging and Nuclear Medicine service. A special functional imaging/radionuclide imaging procedure that uses a radiotracer to visualize the passage of lymph through the lymph glands and vessels and through nodes. It is useful for doctors to consider any suspected lymphatic dysfunction; impaired drainage, even chronic arm and hand swelling, may be a problem.

About Lymphoscintigraphy

A Nuclear Medicine examination of the movement (flow) of the fluid with the Lymph in the lymph pathways from an area of the body. Uses a small dose of radioactive radionuclide for marking the pathway of the lymphatic path and to determine the correct entry of the radioactive fluid into the lymph nodes. This examination might be recommended for patients who have any of the following: Unexplained swelling of the upper arm or leg; Suspected lymphedema or abnormal drainage; and selected types of lymph disease. It may also be part of a sentinel lymph node mapping procedure performed as part of certain cancer-related surgeries when clinically indicated.

What is Lymphoscintigraphy?

In lymphoscintigraphy, a radioactive photographic "tracer" is injected into the tissue in this instance, typically the hand or foot where the lymph drains to, depending on which part of the body was studied. As the tracer circulates through the lymphatic system, the tracer accumulates in the lymph nodes, and a special gamma camera detects the tracer. The images are informative and have a practical use: functional information on distribution of tracer, pathways of drainage, and lymph flow. This test may be useful to confirm that the return of fluid is slow, there is blockage, or routes are not working.

Common Reasons for Lymphoscintigraphy

• Persistent Limb Swelling: A condition where limbs swell for no apparent reason and is assumed to be some sort of dysfunction in the lymphatic system.
• Suspected Lymphedema: Any evaluation of impaired lymphatic drainage which may result in fluid (lymph) accumulation in tissues.
• Lymphatic Obstruction: Exam to exclude blockage or obstructed/ sluggish lymphatic flow.
• Post-Surgical Swelling: Evaluation of potential surgical changes in drainage of lymph structures.
• Cancer procedures: Sentinel lymph node mapping, if clinically indicated, for some types of cancer.
• Abnormal Lymphatic Pathways: Evaluation of the presence of abnormal or different flow of lymphatics.
• Congenital lymphatic disorders disturb the development and function of the lymphatic system from birth.

Conditions Evaluated

Lymphedema

In the presence of impaired lymphatic drainage due to lymphedema, Lymphoscintigraphy can be helpful. May exhibit delayed tracer flow, poor visualization of lymph nodes, and/or abnormal passage of tracer.

Lymphatic Obstruction

The exam might also assist in determining delayed or impaired movement of lymphatic fluid, which can be very helpful when blockage of the lymphatic system or abnormal movement of the fluid is suspected.

Abnormal Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphoscintigraphic findings may include alternate drainage patterns and changes or abnormalities in normal lymphatic pathways that can be a contributing cause of lymphatic dysfunction and persistent swelling and may also account for other symptoms of lymphatic dysfunction.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping

In some cancers, lymphoscintigraphy can be used to help identify which lymph nodes drain from a particular region of a tumour. This data can be helpful to the treating team for the planning of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Post-Surgical Lymphatic Dysfunction

This scan could be used when there is suspicion of involvement of the lymph system that is swollen or obstructed for assessing lymphatic drainage following surgery.

Congenital Lymphatic Abnormalities

Selected congenital abnormalities of the lymphatics have potential functional information via lymphoscintigraphy.

Secondary Lymphatic Dysfunction

When clinically indicated,d the exam may help clarify reduced functioning of the lymphatic system that is associated with certain disease processes, treatments, or tissue injury.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL & NABH Accredited Diagnostic Centre with services in the field of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Pathology. We strive to deliver patient-focused diagnoses and image optimisation, have highly trained staff, reliable reporting, and use the appropriate imaging protocols. Patients are instructed on the examination, administration of the radiotracer, and instructions for preparation.

Conclusion

Lymphoscintigraphy is a Nuclear Medicine imaging procedure that is used to evaluate lymphatic drainage and function. It can be helpful for the diagnosis of lymphedema and surgical complications such as suspicious lymph obstruction, unusual lymphatic flow, and sentinel nodes. In Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, the exam adds value to the clinical assessment and therapy planning based on the image-based information combined with the patient's medical history.