The lymphangiogram provides information about the internal organization of the lymph nodes in the pelvis and the back of the abdomen. The test is not often done now in the diagnosis or staging of lymphoma. The CT scan , the gallium scan , or the MRI or PET scans may be used instead. This test was favored by some institutions over the last 30 years including Stanford University. The lymph vessels in the feet drain into the lymph node in the back of the abdomen.
Informed consent is obtained from the patient.
There are no dietary restrictions. A local anesthetic is usually used to numb the area between the first and second toe on each foot. An incision is made, and a small needle placed in the lymph vessel. The dye is often blue in color and very thick. The infusion into the lymph system is very slow.