Lymphangiogram

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Lymphatic drainage

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How to prepare for the test

You must sign a consent form. You may be asked to not eat or drink for several hours before the test. You may wish to empty your bladder just before the test.

Tell the health care provider if you are pregnant or you have bleeding problems. Also mention if you've had allergic reactions to x-ray contrast material or any iodine-containing substance.

If you are having this test done with sentinel lymph node biopsy (for breast cancer and melanoma), you will need to prepare for the operating room. A surgeon and anesthesiologist will tell you how to prepare for the procedure.

How the test will feel

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Some patients feel a brief sting when the blue dye and numbing medicines are injected. You may feel pressure as the dye starts to flow into your body, particularly behind the knees and in the groin area.

The surgical cuts will be sore for a few days. The blue dye causes urine and stool discoloration for about 2 days. Your skin and possibly vision will temporarily appear blue.

Why the test is performed

A lymphangiogram is used with lymph node biopsy to determine the possible spread of cancer and the effectiveness of cancer therapy.

Contrast dye and x-rays are used to help determine the cause of swelling in an arm or leg and check for diseases that may be caused by parasites.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

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Review Date: 05/13/2010
Reviewed By: Benjamin Taragin MD, Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).