substance, or dye, that is radioactive. The tracer may be injected into your skin or other tissues. This will help find the sentinel lymph node.
A special type of camera will take pictures of the area being studied. Remain still while the pictures are being taken.The camera may move to different positions or it may be still and you may need to change positions.A handheld camera can also be used.The camera may also show areas with more of the radioactive tracer called "hot spots or areas of concern when checking for the spread of a disease like cancer.You may need to have a few sets of injections and pictures. Sometimes you may need to do light exercises and then have more pictures taken.This procedure may take 1 to 4 hours.Sometimes this special camera and radioactive tracer are used during a surgery rather than before a biopsy or surgery.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home after the test. Sometimes you are sent for a biopsy after this test.
- You may feel pain where the tracer was injected.
- Take the pain drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Ask your doctor when the results will be available.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- The injection site may have some bruising. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. This will help flush the dye out.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Ask your doctor when you can get the results. Talk about the results with your doctor. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain.
- Trouble breathing
- Any new problems or concerns
Where can I learn more?
American College of Radiology ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lympho ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚