What is a lymphangiography? Let's understand it simply.

There are some systems in our body that cannot be easily examined with a simple scan. One such system is the lymphatic system. So today we are going to talk about a special test that is done to see if there is any problem with this. This test is called Lymphangiography. Maybe your doctor has told you to do this test. So don't be afraid, let's talk about everything in simple terms.

Simply put, what is Lymphangiography?

Lymphangiography is a special imaging test that takes clear pictures of your lymphatic system. It involves injecting a special dye into your body. This dye makes it possible to see things like lymph vessels and lymph nodes that are not normally visible on an X-ray or MRI scan.

Imagine, what happens here is like a car driving on a road that is not really visible and you can see the road when you turn on its lights. This dye acts like a light. If this test is done using an MRI machine, it is called Magnetic Resonance (MR) Lymphangiography .

Let's remind ourselves a little about what the lymphatic system is?

The lymphatic system is a very important part of our body's immune system and circulatory system. It consists of a network of tiny channels. Through these channels, a clear fluid called "lymph" travels throughout the body.

One of the main functions of this lymph fluid is to filter out waste and excess fluid that accumulates in the body. Also included in this system are the lymph nodes . These are small glands that produce cells that fight infection. When you have a fever, you get small lumps in places like your neck and armpits, because those lymph nodes are swollen.

Why would a doctor recommend this test?

There are several reasons why a doctor might recommend this test. These are the main purposes.

What diseases can be detected by this test?

• Lymphatic leak or injury .
• Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in areas such as the limbs.
• Types of cancer that occur in the lymphatic system are Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma .

How to prepare for the test?

Your doctor will give you clear instructions about what you need to do before this test. They will usually say things like:

• Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the test.
• Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before the test.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you may be pregnant or if you have bleeding problems .
• You should also tell us if you have had any previous allergic reactions to other medical tests or iodine .
• If you have a history of heart disease, especially a condition like patent foramen ovale (PFO) , let your doctor know.
• Sometimes a small piece of a lymph node is taken for examination (biopsy) at the same time as this test. If this is done, you may be anesthetized so that you do not feel any pain.

What happens during the test?

This may sound a little complicated, but the medical team will take good care of you. Here's what happens:

1. Positioning: First, you will be seated or lying down on an examination table.

2. First injection: Then, a selected area of ​​the skin is cleaned and a small amount of blue dye is injected. At this time, you may feel a slight stinging sensation, like being bitten by an ant. This injection is usually given in the groin. Sometimes it is also given between the fingers or toes.

3. Ducts appear: After a while, this blue dye causes the closed ducts to become visible on the skin surface as blue streaks.

4. Numbness and incision: The doctor will then inject a numbing medication into the area where the blue line is. Once the area is numb, a very small incision will be made and a thin, flexible tube will be inserted through it.

5. Main dye injection: Now the main dye is slowly and carefully injected into the body through the tube for about an hour. You may feel a little pressure at this time. Sometimes ultrasound technology is used to insert this tube precisely, and a pump called an insufflator is used to send the dye inside.

6. Taking pictures: As the dye travels through your body, your doctor will use a special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy or an MRI machine to take pictures of the inside of your body. These pictures will appear on a screen so you can see how well the dye is moving.

7. Finishing: Once the dye has been injected, the tube is removed and the small incision is stitched. Then, pictures are taken of your legs, hips, stomach, and chest. Sometimes, more pictures may be taken the next day.

What can you expect after the test?

There may be some pain where the incision was made for a few days after the test.

Are there any risks in this?

This is generally a very safe test . Although there is some radiation exposure from the X-rays, it is not enough to cause harm to the body. However, very rarely, the following can happen:

• Allergic reaction to the dye.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Inflammation of the lymphatic channels.

Results and when to talk to the doctor

In most cases, you can get a rough idea of ​​the results on the same day the test is done. Sometimes, treatment can be done at the same time as the test. But sometimes, the final decision is made after the results are discussed by a team of specialists, such as an interventional radiologist and an oncologist .

Your doctor will explain the results to you and what they mean. For example, if the dye can't go past a certain area, it could mean that there's a blockage there due to a tumor, infection, or injury.