What is a Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy?
A lymphoscintigraphy, or sentinel lymph node scan, is a test used to find which lymph nodes are the first to get fluid drainage from the area of the body near where a lump has been discovered. These scans are usually done in the breast area. They are usually done just before you have a biopsy or surgery.
How long does a Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy take?
Please allow approximately 1 – 1 and a half hours for this scan. Your appointment will be booked in on the same day as your surgery, prior to your surgery time.
What preparation is there for a Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy?
No preparation is required for this scan. Please bring your referral from the doctor, any relevant recent scans/tests, and your Medicare card.
What does a Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy involve?
For this test, you will have one or more injections of a small amount of a radiopharmaceutical (radioactive tracer) into the area of interest. This might be quite painful; however, these injections will not make you feel any different. The tracer goes with the fluid as it drains into nearby lymph nodes. You will be required to massage the area of the injections to promote cellular fluid movement. A special camera is then used to take pictures which show the lymph nodes that are the first to drain fluid.
When are the results available?
After your scan is completed a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review your scan and write a report of the results. This report and the scan images will be sent securely electronically to your referring doctor/specialist. If you require your results to be sent to a different doctor, please advise the staff on the day of your scan.
Are there any costs for this scan?
For this scan you will be billed as an inpatient of the hospital, please speak with your health fund provider or our reception staff to find out more details.