How is lymphedema diagnosed

Here are some typical questions that your HCP will ask you: When did you first notice any signs or symptoms? Do your swellings improve overnight? Did you have any infections in the affected area? Do you take any medications at the moment and if so, what kind of medication do you take? Is there someone in your family with the same signs and symptoms?

Your HCP will examine your affected limb as well. This usually includes the following steps: Check-up of your skin to rule out any injuries or infections Palpation of your tissue is it hard or soft? Check your body for other swollen areas Measurement of the affected area to monitor the size over time Measurements of your blood vessels veins and arteries to check your blood circulation Advanced diagnostics Your medical history and the examination of your affected limb are often enough for the diagnosis of lymphedema.

Several diagnostic tools can be useful in such a case: Ultrasound scan — uses high-frequency waves that create a picture of your tissue from the outside Lymphography — uses a radiocontrast agent that visualizes your lymphatic system under X-ray Lymphoscintigraphy - uses a nuclear medicine that visualizes the lymph drainage and your lymph nodes MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans — uses a magnetic field to create pictures from the inside of your body CT Computed Tomography scans — uses X-ray to create a detailed picture across your body.

Up next Lymphedema and Infections. Measuring limb volume In some cases, tests to calculate the volume of an affected limb may be carried out.

These may include: using a tape measure — to measure the circumference of the limb at certain intervals to calculate its volume water displacement — where the affected limb is placed in a tank of water and the amount of water that's displaced is measured to calculate the volume of the limb perometry — where infrared light is used to measure the outline of an affected limb and calculate its volume Bioimpedance testing During a bioimpedance test, small metallic discs called electrodes are placed on different parts of your body.

Imaging tests Imaging tests may also be used to help diagnose and monitor lymphoedema. As the only surgical lymphedema treatment center in the Bay Area, we use the latest scientific advances.

In fact, Stanford is the only lymphedema treatment center in the U. We use the lymphedema staging classification developed by the International Society of Lymphology.

In early-stage lymphedema Stages 0—2 , the condition may be reversible if caught and treated early. The earlier you get medical intervention, the better the outcome will be. We pass a safe, low-level electrical current through the limb and compare the amount of fluid to other areas of the body to determine if lymphedema is present. Our doctors usually begin treatment for early-stage lymphedema with nonsurgical options that include:.

If nonsurgical treatments do not provide the desired results, we will discuss the surgical options with you, including:. In Stage 3, the affected area becomes very large and swollen, and the skin develops a leathery appearance. At this stage, fluid and thick, fibrous tissue have accumulated, and fungal infections of the skin and nails may be common. The first step in treating advanced-stage lymphedema is to restore function to the limb by reducing its size through debulking or liposuction.

After your recovery from one of these procedures, you may be a candidate for other treatments, such as lymph node transfer or lymphovenous bypass.

These options can help reduce symptoms for the long term and give you a better quality of life. Depending on where the lymphedema is located, we may need to remove tissue and fluid through surgery.

At Stanford, we save as much of your skin and tissue as possible and use skin grafts from other parts of the body, if necessary. In this outpatient procedure, we insert a small vacuum-like tool through the skin of the limb with lymphedema to remove extra fluid and tissue. This procedure is less invasive than traditional debulking and offers a shorter recovery time and less scarring.

Liposuction reduces the size of your limb but does not cure lymphedema. You will have to wear a compression garment consistently to prevent future fluid and tissue buildup.

At Stanford, we continuously have clinical trials for new drugs, treatments, and surgical procedures that may reduce the effects of lymphedema. We are the leading site of a groundbreaking National Institutes of Health NIH -funded clinical trial on the use of lymph node transfer with BioBridge, a bioengineered nanofibrillar collagen scaffold that helps to regenerate lymphatic vessels. Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future.

Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future. Your doctor can usually diagnose lymphedema by evaluating your symptoms, and we may use diagnostic tests to confirm it.

These tests include:. Our specialists provide a range of advanced treatment options, including diagnostic and therapeutic regimens, to treat adults and children with lymphatic disorders. We use cookies and similar tools to give you the best website experience. By using our site, you accept our digital privacy statement. Read our updated information about wearing a mask for your visit , and our visitor policy.

At NYU Langone, our doctors are experts at detecting lymphedema, a condition affecting the lymphatic system. This network of vessels, tissues, and organs circulates lymph, a fluid that contains infection-fighting white blood cells. When there is damage to the lymphatic vessels, which carry lymph throughout the body, and the lymph nodes, small glands that filter lymph, fluid can build up and tissues can swell, causing blockages.

This condition can range from mild to severe. Secondary lymphedema occurs when surgery or radiation therapy for cancer, such as breast cancer or melanoma , damages the lymphatic system.

Such treatment can include removal of lymph nodes, which are found in the neck, underarm, abdomen, pelvis, and groin.