Lymphoscintigram

[abbellebert]

HI

I am having a lymphoscintigram tomorrow but I'm worrying about the amount of radiation that your exposed too. I'm not sure what can be done once they find the source of it (if they can find the source). I'm not sure if it's worth it or not.

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Abi

[Lynora]

The amount of dye used for the scan is incredibly small and no threat.

What form of lymphoedema do you have, which has encouraged the medics to do this diagnostic procedure? It is very useful as a way of planning future treatment/management of lymphoedema.

[CCT67]

Don't worry it's a very little dosage - I had both my legs injected/lymphoscintigraphy 2.5 years ago with no issues. It's one of the best diagnostic tools for LE and absolutely worth it in my view!

[KJB72]

It's a very small dose. Confirmed I do have lymphedema - saw consultant for results yesterday. Discussing the scan results helped a lot. That said, I was fine at my appointment but walked out the hospital in tears. Feeling a bit better about it today.

[abbellebert in reply to KJB72]

Sorry to hear you found it difficult. Hope you are feeling better about it all now.

[KJB72 in reply to abbellebert]

Hi. Yes, feeling better about it now. Just been a tough few months - waiting 4 months for scan results, partner recovering slowly from sepsis now and brother unwell. Planning on having some me-time; It's been a while.

[abbellebert in reply to KJB72]

Hi Things can only get better. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[abbellebert]

Thank you for the posts. I developed Lymphodema 11 years ago. I'm not sure what form I have. I suppose today will confirm the exact source. It is not a really bad case. My right leg is about 1 inch bigger than the other leg abday of normal colouration but I got offered to have the Lymphoscintogram. The letter they sent scares you a bit.

[abbellebert]

The letter states:

The scan involives using radioactive materials and possibly x rays and so has the usual risks associated with ionising radiation. The amount of radiation used is equivalent to that which you receive from natural background radiation in about 9 months. This adds very slightly the risk of, for example, developing cancer. However as 1 in 3 will develop a cancer at some stage during our lives, the added risk is very small. The doctor who referred you for this scan believes that the benefit of having the scan is likely to be greater for you than any of the potential risks involved.

[Lynora in reply to abbellebert]

I do love some of the 'official information' the NHS have to legally promulgate. More than likely you speed read the second sentence! Background/9 months etc. If we all worried about background radiation, we would never leave the house - or cave!!!!!

As mentioned previously, the dye used is such a tiny amount, and the scanning equipment so efficient, you really have no cause for concern.

[abbellebert in reply to Lynora]

Thank you for your reply. It all has to be put into context. When you don't normally undergo scans etc... you take it to the extreme. You forget we're exposed to things on a daily basis. Also people that smoke, drink or use drugs are at higher risk than having a Lymphosintigram. I think the most radiation you receive is about 0.09 Millisieverts with this test. A back x ray is 1 to 2 Millisieverts. A bone scan 3 to 5. It's tiny, extremely low for this investigation. 5 x rays for a broken leg is more.

[abbellebert]

Thank you for all your comments. It really helped. I went and had the Lymphoscintogram and it was fine. I had a very, very low dose; the same as going to an airport and less than a CT scan. I am glad I had it done.