Learn about Lymphoscintigraphy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Lymphoscintigraphy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Lymphoscintigraphy

Lymphoscintigraphy is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to map the lymphatic system. It involves injecting a small, safe amount of a radioactive tracer (radionuclide) into the body, typically near a tumor or the area of concern. A gamma camera then tracks the tracer's movement through the lymphatic channels in real-time, creating detailed images. This test is crucial for identifying the 'sentinel lymph node', the first node to which cancer is likely to spread from a primary tumor. It is most commonly used in the staging of cancers like melanoma and breast cancer to guide surgical decisions, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy. The procedure is minimally invasive, provides vital functional information, and helps in planning precise treatment strategies.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive diagnostic imaging procedure.Precisely maps the lymphatic drainage pathway from a specific area.Identifies the 'sentinel lymph node', the first node potentially affected by cancer spread.Guides surgeons during sentinel lymph node biopsy, potentially avoiding more extensive lymph node removal.Provides real-time, functional imaging of the lymphatic system.Uses a very small, safe amount of radioactive material.liNo surgical incision is required for the imaging itself./li/ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Staging of melanoma to locate the sentinel lymph node(s).
  • Staging of breast cancer for sentinel lymph node identification.
  • Evaluation of other cancers (e.g., penile, vulvar, head and neck) for lymphatic mapping.
  • Diagnosing lymphedema (swelling caused by lymphatic system blockage).
  • Identifying the site of a lymphatic leak or fistula.
  • Planning for radiation therapy fields.
  • Assessing the function of the lymphatic system in congenital or acquired disorders.

How to prepare

  • Inform your doctor about all medications, allergies, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Usually, no special diet or fasting is required.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
  • You may be asked to remove jewelry and other metal objects.
  • The procedure and its benefits/risks will be explained, and you will need to provide informed consent.
  • For some studies, you may be asked to massage the injection site to aid tracer movement.

Risks & possible complications

  • Minor discomfort, bruising, or redness at the injection site.
  • Allergic reaction to the radiopharmaceutical (very rare).
  • Low-level radiation exposure, which is considered safe and comparable to other diagnostic imaging tests.
  • There is a very small risk of infection at the injection site.
  • The test may occasionally fail to identify the sentinel node, requiring alternative methods.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • You can typically resume normal activities and diet immediately after the scan.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the tracer from your body.
  • The radioactive material decays and is eliminated naturally within a day or two.
  • You may receive specific instructions if the lymphoscintigraphy is performed just before a surgical biopsy.
  • Mild soreness at the injection site can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
  • Follow any additional post-procedure instructions provided by the nuclear medicine team or your surgeon.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0-1 days

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering lymphoscintigraphy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lymphoscintigraphy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 8 Thousand – 25 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0-1 days Know More
Turkey TRY 28 Thousand – 87.5 Thousand 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0-1 days Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

John Williams, a 68-year-old retired mechanic,...

John Williams, a 68-year-old retired mechanic, had a small, dark mole removed from his left calf six months ago. The biopsy revealed melanoma. His oncologist, Dr. Chen, recommended a lymphoscintigraphy to identify the 'sentinel lymph node', the first node likely to contain cancer cells if they had spread. John was anxious, fearing the unknown and the potential for more bad news. The procedure itself was painless but surreal; he lay still as a technician injected a tiny amount of radioactive tracer near his old scar and used a special camera to watch it travel. The emotional wait for results was the hardest part. The scan successfully pinpointed a single sentinel node in his groin, which was later surgically removed and found to be cancer-free. The relief was profound. While he continues with regular check-ups, the procedure provided a clear roadmap and spared him unnecessary, extensive surgery, allowing him to focus on recovery with much less fear.

Nuclear Medicines for Lymphoscintigraphy

Explore experienced nuclear medicines who regularly perform lymphoscintigraphy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Rama Mohan Reddy G
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. SUBRAHMANYAM N
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Sachin Arora
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

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Dr. Satish Nath S D
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. S Sumati
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Arun Prashanth K
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Noaline Sinha
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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Dr. RV Parameshwaran
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Bhargavi Jois
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Pankaj Mhatre
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Aadil Adnan
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata

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Dr. Tajamul Syed Malik
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Nuclear Medicine
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

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