Lymphangiogram

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

(Page 2)

Lymphatic drainage

Lymphatic system

Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant or you have bleeding problems. Also mention if you've had allergic reactions to x-ray contrast material or any iodine-containing substance. You must sign a consent form. You may be asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the test. You may wish to empty your bladder just before the test.

If you are undergoing lymphangiography for sentinel lymph node biopsy (in breast cancer and melanoma), you will need to prepare for the operating room. A surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss how to prepare for the procedure.

There will be a brief sting from the needle and blue dye injected between the toes. There is another brief sting with the injection of the local anesthetic. There may be a feeling of pressure as the contrast medium is injected, and there may be some discomfort behind the knees and in the groin area.

The incisions will be sore for a few days. The blue dye will color the urine and stool for about 48 hours. The skin and possibly the vision will take on a bluish cast temporarily.

A lymphangiogram is used with lymph node biopsy to determine the possible spread of cancer and the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Contrast dye and x-rays are used to help determine the cause of swelling in an arm or leg and check for parasitic (organisms that live on another) diseases.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Review Date: 05/03/2006
Reviewed By: Neil Grossman, MD, MetroWest Radiology Associates, Framingham, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.