ACS Helps Develop Appropriate Use Criteria for Lymphoscintigraphy

In collaboration with medical imaging and other cancer care partner organizations, the ACS has developed appropriate use criteria for lymphoscintigraphy in sentinel node mapping and lymphedema/lipedema. The full document is hosted on the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging website.

These criteria are designed to address over- and misuse of medical imaging technology for lymphoscintigraphy, which increases healthcare costs and exposes patients to potentially unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. The criteria provide an overview of clinical scenarios for use of lymphoscintigraphy for breast cancer, skin cancer, and other cancer areas, providing multiple situations and designating them appropriate, may be appropriate, and rarely appropriate.

A summarizing fact sheet of the criteria also is available. Surgeons involved in treatment of these cancers are encouraged to use the criteria in their practice.