Why do it?
-
Due
to anomalous drainage patterns, it is impossible to simply look at a patient and
know drainage patterns. Lymphoscintigraphy guides the surgeon to the primary
lymph nodes draining the area around the lesion, allowing biopsy of appropriate nodes.
-
Decreasing surgical time and sampling fewer lymph nodes results in
fewer post-surgical complications and morbidity.
How
does it work?
-
4-7
bubbles of Tc-99m colloid are injected intradermally around periphery of
lesion. Each bubble contains 100 mCi
in 100 ml,
equivalent to 1 mCi/ml
Rationale
for Using Tc-99m Sulfur Colloid
-
No other product can adequately assess lymphatic drainage in patients
with malignant melanoma and other diseases involving lymphatic spread
