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Lymphography is a medical imaging technique in which a radiocontrast agent is injected, and then an X-ray picture is taken to visualise structures of the lymphatic system, including , Thoracic duct, lymphatic tissues, lymph capillaries and . Lymphangiography is the same procedure, used only to visualize the . The x-ray film or image of the Lymphatic vessel and Lymph node is called a lymphogram or a lymphangiogram.
Radiographs can be taken after injection of a radiodensity contrast medium into small lymphatic vessels (these are made visible by prior subcutaneous injection of patent blue dye). The resulting lymphogram is used to find the locations of large vessels and nodes, and to identify sites of blockage in lymphatic drainage.
Lymph nodes can also be detected via Nuclear medicine after injection of radioactive . Phagocytosis these foreign bodies and sequester in the nodes.
Lymphography is not commonly used in modern medicine since the adoption of CT scan and PET scan technologies.
Lymphography is often an invasive procedure. It may be difficult to access Lymphatic vessel, as they are usually very narrow and hard to locate. The procedure also takes a very long time to perform.
A Fluoroscopy is used to follow the dye as it spreads through the lymphatic system through the Leg, into the groin, and along the back of the abdominal cavity. X-ray are taken of the legs, pelvis, abdomen, and thorax areas. The next day, another set of X-rays may be taken.
If a site of cancer (breast cancer or melanoma) is being studied to evaluate spreading, a mixture of blue dye and a radioactive tracer is injected next to the mass. Special cameras detect the spread of tracer along lymph channels to outlying lymph nodes. A surgeon will then use the visible blue dye or radioactivity within nodes to guide biopsy within adjacent tissues (such as the arm pit for breast cancer) to determine possible routes of cancer spread.
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