What is a Lymphoscintigraphy Scan and what does it do?
Helps to determine presence of metastatic invasion to the lymph nodes. Localizes the sentinel nodes to which the cancer may drain.
Who performs the test?
The Lymphoscintigraphy Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All of the Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.
Where does it take place?
The Lymphoscintigraphy Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.
How long does it take?
The total time of the exam can vary from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how fast the radiotracer distributes in the body.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
- Bring a copy of your physicians order with you to your appointment.
- Coordinate your visit with the surgery department as this scan must be done just prior to surgery.
What should I do before the exam?
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
- Bring a copy of your physicians order with you to your appointment.
- Coordinate your visit with the surgery department as this scan must be done just prior to surgery.
What happens during the exam?
- You will arrive at the hospital and be escorted to the surgery department. There you will be prepped for your upcoming procedure.
- After the surgery department has completed your initial consultation you will then go to Radiology for your Lymphoscintigraphy.
- The radiologist will make 4 small injections around the tumor site.
- You will be instructed to massage the area for about 5 minutes to help the radiotracer distribute in the system.
- You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans the area several different angles.
What should I do after the exam?
Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the surgeon to assist in the procedure of locating and removing the lymph nodes.
Contact Information:
Hospital (main operator): (850) 526-2200
Nuclear Medicine Department: (850) 718-2584
Radiology Department (at hospital): (850) 718-2580
4250 Hospital Drive • Marianna, Florida 32446-1917 • 850-526-2200