Lymphangiogram
Alternate Names : Lymphangiography, Lymphography
Definition
The lymphatic system is made up of lymph nodes and lymph vessels (lymphatics) that link the lymph nodes. The nodes harbor a type of white blood cell (lymphocytes) that helps fight infections.
When an infection is present, the lymph nodes swell, help proliferate the white blood cells, and try to trap the organisms that are causing the infection. The lymph nodes also function to filter and trap cancer cells.
The lymph nodes and vessels are not normally seen on an X-ray, so a contrast material and/or radioisotope (radioactive compound) is injected into the system to visualize it.
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Why is the Test Performed?
The test, in conjunction with senitel lymph node biopsy, is used to evaluate the possible spread of cancers and the effectiveness of cancer therapy. The use of contrast and X-rays is used to help determine the cause of swelling in an arm or leg and check for parasitic (organisms that live on another) diseases.
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