Lymphoscintigraphy (sentinel lymph node mapping)
The sentinel lymph node is the first node to receive lymphatic drainage from a tumor. It is this organ that is primarily reached by metastasizing cancer cells. Lymphoscintigraphy a nuclear imaging technique used to detect the sentinel lymph node.
Sentinel lymph node mapping is mostly performed in the patients with breast cancer and malignant melanoma. The scan is performed on the day of the planned surgery or a day before.
Contraindications:
Pregnancy and breast feeding.
How should I prepare for the scan?
- no fasting is required before the procedure,
- you can take all your medication as usual.
How is the scan performed in case of breast cancer?
- Radiopharmaceutical is injected in the affected breast around the tumor. Scintigraphic images are recorded 2-3 h after the isotope administration. The scan takes about 10 minutes.
How is the scan performed in case of malignant melanoma?
- Radiopharmaceutical is hypodermically injected in several sites around the tumor. The scan takes about 45 minutes.
What do I need to do after the scan?
- void contact with children and pregnant women for 24 h,
