Gallium Scan

A gallium scan is performed to test and identify uncontrolled cell division in the body. It helps diagnose cancerous cells or cells that reproduce rapidly in response to any infection in the body.

The test can assess the progression or severity of any tumour and the success of chemotherapy or any cancer treatment. Due to advances in imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), this test is not used for diagnosing cancer as frequently now. However, it remains useful for detecting some specific types of cancers.

A health care provider suggests a gallium scan in the following conditions:

• Fever with no cause or explanation
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
• Sarcoidosis (inflammation of the lungs)
• Other lung infections
• Lung damage due to drugs

Before undergoing the test, inform your doctor about your medical history. Tell him/her about any current medications, particularly those containing bismuth, or if you are allergic to some specific medications.

Your doctor may ask you to take a mild laxative the night before the test as stools can interfere with test results. Do not take any medication on your own.

An enema may be performed 1 to 2 hours prior to the test. Food and water can be consumed normally before the appointment.

Make sure to take off your jewellery or any metal objects before the test.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the radioactive material could reach your breast milk and harm the baby.

Gallium scan needs more than one sitting to perform.

On your first appointment, your healthcare provider will inject gallium (radioactive material) in your vein. You will feel a pinprick sensation during this process. The injected gallium passes through the bloodstream and is accumulated in bones and organs. You will be advised to come back later for the scanning purpose. Depending on the purpose of the scan, it can be done 24-48 hours after the injection. In some cases, more than one scan may be needed, but no additional injection is given. 

It takes around 1-2 hours to complete the scan. You will be asked to lie on your back on the scanner table. A scanner will move over your body from head to toe and capture images of the areas where the gallium is collected. Be careful to not move during the procedure.

There are no side effects associated with this test. You can resume your day-to-day activities after the scanning is complete.

Images from a gallium scan show a grey outline of body with a few dark areas. Check-in with a doctor to get the correct interpretation of results. 

Normal results: Normally, gallium can be visualised in breast tissue, bones, liver, spleen and large intestine.

Abnormal results: If gallium is seen in other parts of the body- apart from the abovementioned parts, it can indicate:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Tumours (Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin lymphoma)

Gallium accumulation in lungs can be due to the following lung conditions:

• Primary pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in an artery in the lung)
• Respiratory infections
• Sarcoidosis (abnormal masses or nodules called granuloma form in the lungs)
• Scleroderma 
• Tumour

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.