Lymphoscintigraphy for Breast or Melanoma

Lymphoscinitigraphy is a test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to document directions of lymphatic drainage from a primary site of breast cancer or melanoma. Specifically, it is used to identify and mark (if possible) the sentinel lymph node, the first node in a chain that is closest to the primary cancer site.

Before your procedure
Before the test you should tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing. No special preparation is necessary for this test.

During your procedure
During the test, a radiologist will make 4 small injections in the skin of either the affected breast or around the site of the melanoma. Following the injections, imaging will begin in approximately 15-30 minutes. A variety of images will be acquired in order to get the best visualization of the lymph nodes. A mark may be made on the skin with a pen to help identify any visualized lymph nodes. The entire procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

After your procedure
Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.

Your appointment is on:

Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:

____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A / South Entrance

____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance