MIBG SCAN PROCEDURE

MIBG Scan is an imaging procedure that makes use of anything radioactive (called a tracer). The presence of neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma is discovered or confirmed by a scanner. These particular malignancies have an impact on nerve tissue. Iodine meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), a radioactive chemical, is used as a tracer in your bloodstream during an MIBG scan. The tracer is detected by a special camera, which then takes pictures inside your body.

INDICATION

• To identify particular tumors that originate in neuroendocrine cells that produce hormones, such as:
• Carcinoid growths (neuroendocrine tumors).
• Rare cancer known as neuroblastoma, which affects nerve cells, mostly affects youngsters under the age of five.
• thyroid tumors of the kind known as medullary thyroid cancer.
• Tumors in your adrenal glands or other parts of your body are called pheochromocytoma.
• To determine whether cancer has spread or whether the treatment is effective, providers may also employ MIBG scans.

PREPARATION

The day before the test, you will be instructed to take an iodine-containing medication, often known as Lugol's solution, by your doctor. The medication aids in shielding your thyroid from the radioactive material. You may need to continue taking it for a few days following.

PROCEDURE

• MIBG scintigraphy is performed over several days in stages:
• The tracer is injected by a medical professional into a vein in your hand or arm.
• To circulate throughout your body, the tracer needs around 24 hours.
• You'll return the following day for your initial scan.
• You will be asked to take off all of your jewellery and clothing and put on a hospital gown your medical staff.
• On a table, while you are lying perfectly motionless, a scanner will travel about inside your body while taking photographs of it.
• For additional scans, the majority of patients must come back the following day or across many days.

AFTERCARE

The radioactive substance will leave your body after a few days. Drink a lot of water to help your urine flush it out. After using the bathroom, thoroughly wash your hands to remove any MIBG residue.

Plan to use the formula for at least a full day after the injection if you are currently breastfeeding.

Outpatient MIBG scintigraphy is available. After each scan, you ought to be able to leave on the same day.

WRITTEN BY

SIMRAN KAUSHAL

TECHNOLOGIST(NUCLEAR MEDICINE)