What is one of the most common radiotracer formulations for lymphoscintigraphy?
The most common radiotracer is F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a molecule similar to glucose. Cancer cells are more metabolically active and may absorb glucose at a higher rate. This higher rate can be seen on PET scans. This allows your doctor to detect disease before it may be seen on other imaging tests.
What is the purpose of lymphoscintigraphy?
Lymphoscintigraphy is a special type of nuclear medicine imaging that provides special pictures of the lymphatic system, which transports fluid throughout your immune system. Lymphoscintigraphy is often used to identify the sentinel lymph node, or the first node to receive the lymph drainage from a tumor.
What is the procedure for lymphoscintigraphy?
The procedure involves injecting tiny amounts of radioactive particles (Technetium-99m sulfur-colloid) at the site of the primary cancer. Depending on the site of the cancer, images are then taken with a gamma camera of the patient’s arms and underarms, legs and groins, head, neck and chest, or other areas.
Why is sentinel node injections used in nuclear medicine?
DEFINITION: Sentinel node biopsy is most commonly used in evaluating the spread of breast cancer and melanoma because these are usually the first lymph nodes into which a tumor drains. Sentinel node biopsy involves injecting a tracer material near the tumor that helps the surgeon locate the sentinel nodes.
How is radioactive tracer used in lymphoscintigraphy?
Lymphoscintigraphy is a procedure in which a small amount of radioactive colloidal tracer is injected into the skin or other tissues of an organ and transported by the draining lymphatics to localize in regional lymph node basins.
Which is the best protocol for lymphoscintigraphy?
Standardized lymphoscintigraphy protocol including radiotracer, dose, injection and imageācaptured time are the key factors to achieve good lymphoscintigraphy images for the diagnosis of lymphedema.
What can lymphoscintigraphy do for your health?
Because it is able to pinpoint molecular activity within the body, lymphoscintigraphy offers the potential to identify lymphatic disease in its earliest stages. Tell your doctor if there’s a possibility you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
How are the images taken after a lymphoscin injection?
Immediately after the injection, the gamma camera will take a series of images of the area of the body being studied. When imaging begins, the camera or scanner will take a series of images. The camera may rotate around you or stay in one position. You may need to change positions in between images.