A Practical Technique to Improve Visualization of Sentinel Nodes in Axillary Region on Breast Lymphoscintigraphy: Medial Breast Traction by Patient

J Nucl Med Technol. 2021 Nov 8:jnmt.121.262994. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.121.262994. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

A standard method of performing breast lymphoscintigraphy is anterior and lateral views after periareolar intradermal injection of a radiotracer. However, a sentinel lymph node may be obscured by the activity at injection site, especially on anterior view. Also, breast tissue may cause attenuation to prevent sentinel node visualization. Repeat images during medial traction of breast by patient is an effective technique to improve visualization of sentinel lymph nodes in axillary region.

Keywords: Breast; Lymphoscintigraphy; Oncology: Breast; breast lymphoscintigraphy; lymphoscintigraphy techniques; medial traction; sentinel node.