Lymphedema Scan

Lymphedema Scan

 

About the test

A lymphedema scan is a test used to check the lymph nodes and vessels that make up part of your body’s circulation called the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes and vessels carry fluids from your body tissues to your blood stream. 

Lymphedema is swelling that happens when the lymph nodes are not able to drain the fluids out of your body tissues. It is often seen as swelling in your arms or legs. 

Lymph nodes may be damaged from unknown causes or from:

  • Injury 
  • Infection
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Problems at birth  

A material, called a tracer, allows the path of your lymph system to be shown, so your doctor can find the cause of your swelling. It contains a very small amount of radioactivity that will naturally go away on its own.

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or think you might be, tell the technologist before starting to prepare for the scan. 

lymph nodes and lymph vessels in the body

To prepare for the test

  • If you wear elastic stockings or compression sleeves for lymphedema, remove them 3 to 4 hours before the scan.
  • You should expect the scan to take at least 5 hours to complete. You may want to bring something to read or work on while you wait.

During the test

  • You will need to remove any jewelry or metal from your clothing in the area to be scanned. Also remove any binding clothing or elastic before the scan. 
  • Your hands or feet will be cleaned with alcohol or an iodine solution called Betadine.
  • You will be given 4 injections or shots of the tracer, either between your fingers or your toes, based on where you have swelling. 
  • After the injections, you will be given balls to squeeze in your hands, or you will need to walk for 2 minutes. This is done to move the tracer through your arms or legs. If you are not able to squeeze or walk, your arms or legs will be massaged for 2 minutes.
  • You will lie on a table, so the scan pictures can be taken. The first pictures will take about 30 minutes. Then a picture of your whole body will be taken. This will take another 30 minutes.

scanner

  • The whole body scan will be repeated 4 hours later. 
  • Other pictures may be taken up to 6 hours after the injections, if needed.

After the test

  • Your doctor will be sent the report of your scan in the next few days. Your doctor will share the results with you and discuss any treatment that may be needed.
  • You can return to your normal activity after the test.
  • Drink 6 to 8 cups (8 ounce size) of fluids each day over the next few days to help flush the tracer out of your body.

© 2012 – July 20, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.