How is lymphedema diagnosed. What are the primary diagnostic methods for lymphedema. Which healthcare professionals are involved in lymphedema diagnosis. What advanced diagnostic tools are used for lymphedema. How can early diagnosis impact lymphedema treatment.

Understanding Lymphedema: Types and Causes

Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling in certain parts of the body, primarily caused by problems with the lymphatic system. This complex network of vessels and nodes is responsible for draining excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. When this system malfunctions, fluid accumulates, leading to swelling and discomfort.

There are two main types of lymphedema:

• Primary lymphedema: A rare genetic condition present from birth, resulting from inadequate development or function of the lymphatic system.
• Secondary lymphedema: More common and caused by injuries, diseases, or medical treatments that damage the lymphatic system.

Understanding the type of lymphedema is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Primary lymphedema may manifest early in life or remain undetected for years, while secondary lymphedema often occurs as a complication of other medical conditions or treatments.

Recognizing Lymphedema Symptoms: Early Detection is Key

Identifying lymphedema in its early stages can significantly impact treatment outcomes. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling in arms, legs, or other body parts
• Feeling of heaviness or tightness in affected areas
• Restricted range of motion
• Recurring infections in the affected area
• Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Are these symptoms always indicative of lymphedema? While these signs can point to lymphedema, they may also be associated with other conditions. This is why a proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential.

The Diagnostic Journey: From GP to Specialist

Diagnosing lymphedema often begins with a visit to a general practitioner (GP) or nurse. These healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the initial assessment and referral process. The diagnostic journey typically involves:

1. Initial consultation with GP or nurse
2. General check-up and physical examination
3. Blood tests to rule out other conditions
4. Referral to a lymphedema specialist for confirmation and treatment planning

Why is a specialist referral important? Lymphedema specialists have in-depth knowledge of the condition and can provide a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

Basic Diagnostic Methods: The Foundation of Lymphedema Detection

The cornerstone of lymphedema diagnosis lies in thorough medical history-taking and physical examination. Healthcare professionals employ several basic diagnostic methods to assess the presence and severity of lymphedema:

Medical History

Important questions a healthcare provider may ask include:

• When did you first notice symptoms?
• Do symptoms improve overnight?
• Have you experienced infections in the affected area?
• Are you currently taking any medications?
• Is there a family history of similar symptoms?

Physical Examination

The physical exam typically involves:

• Skin inspection to check for injuries or infections
• Palpation of tissues and lymph nodes
• Examination of other potentially swollen areas
• Measurements of affected limbs for comparison over time
• Assessment of blood circulation in veins and arteries

How do these basic diagnostic methods contribute to accurate diagnosis? These methods provide valuable information about the nature and extent of swelling, helping healthcare professionals differentiate lymphedema from other conditions and determine its severity.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Enhancing Lymphedema Detection

While basic diagnostic methods are often sufficient, advanced tools can provide additional insights, especially in complex cases or early stages of lymphedema. These include:

Imaging Techniques

• Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissues
• Lymphography: Employs radiocontrast agents to visualize the lymphatic system under X-ray
• Lymphoscintigraphy: Utilizes nuclear medicine to show lymph drainage and node function
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Creates detailed images of soft tissues using magnetic fields
• CT (Computed Tomography): Produces cross-sectional images using X-rays

When are advanced diagnostic tools necessary? These tools are particularly useful when dealing with complex cases, such as patients with multiple health conditions or those in very early stages of lymphedema where swelling may not be visually apparent.

Differential Diagnosis: Ruling Out Other Conditions

Accurate diagnosis of lymphedema often involves ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Some conditions that may mimic lymphedema include:

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Lipedema
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Congestive heart failure
• Kidney or liver disease

How do healthcare professionals differentiate lymphedema from these conditions? A combination of medical history, physical examination, and targeted diagnostic tests helps identify the underlying cause of swelling and distinguish lymphedema from other conditions.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Lymphedema Management

Early diagnosis of lymphedema is crucial for several reasons:

• Prevents progression to more severe stages
• Allows for timely initiation of treatment
• Reduces the risk of complications
• Improves quality of life for patients
• Enhances treatment efficacy

What are the potential consequences of delayed diagnosis? Delayed diagnosis can lead to progression of lymphedema, increased risk of infections, reduced treatment effectiveness, and significant impact on a patient’s quality of life.

Treatment Approaches: Tailoring Care to Individual Needs

Once diagnosed, lymphedema treatment typically involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s needs. Common treatment modalities include:

Conservative Management

• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
• Compression therapy (bandages, garments)
• Exercise and movement therapies
• Skincare and hygiene practices

Pharmacological Interventions

• Diuretics (in specific cases)
• Antibiotics for infections
• Anti-inflammatory medications

Surgical Options

• Lymph node transfer
• Lymphovenous anastomosis
• Debulking procedures

How is the most appropriate treatment plan determined? Treatment plans are developed based on the type and severity of lymphedema, the patient’s overall health status, and their personal preferences and lifestyle factors.

Living with Lymphedema: Self-Management Strategies

While professional medical care is essential, self-management plays a crucial role in lymphedema management. Key self-care strategies include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Practicing good skin hygiene
• Wearing compression garments as prescribed
• Engaging in regular, appropriate exercise
• Avoiding injury and excessive heat in affected areas
• Elevating affected limbs when possible

How can patients effectively incorporate these strategies into their daily lives? Working closely with healthcare providers and lymphedema specialists can help patients develop personalized self-management plans that fit their lifestyle and needs.

Advances in Lymphedema Research: Future Directions

The field of lymphedema diagnosis and treatment is continuously evolving. Current areas of research include:

• Genetic studies to better understand primary lymphedema
• Development of more sensitive diagnostic tools
• Exploration of targeted therapies to stimulate lymphatic growth
• Investigation of novel surgical techniques
• Research into pharmacological interventions to reduce fibrosis

How might these research directions impact future lymphedema care? Advances in research could lead to more precise diagnostic methods, targeted treatments, and potentially even preventive strategies for high-risk individuals.

Support and Resources for Lymphedema Patients

Living with lymphedema can be challenging, but numerous resources are available to support patients and their families:

• Patient support groups and online communities
• Educational materials from reputable health organizations
• Lymphedema therapist directories
• Financial assistance programs for treatment and compression garments
• Rehabilitation and occupational therapy services

Where can patients find reliable information and support? National lymphedema organizations, hospital-based support groups, and certified lymphedema therapists are excellent sources of information and assistance for individuals living with lymphedema.

Preventing Secondary Lymphedema: Risk Reduction Strategies

While primary lymphedema cannot be prevented, there are strategies to reduce the risk of developing secondary lymphedema, particularly for individuals undergoing cancer treatments:

• Gentle exercise and range-of-motion activities
• Careful skin care and infection prevention
• Avoiding blood draws or injections in at-risk limbs
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing and jewelry
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Using compression garments during air travel

Can these strategies completely eliminate the risk of secondary lymphedema? While these measures can significantly reduce risk, they cannot guarantee prevention. Regular monitoring and early intervention remain crucial for high-risk individuals.

The Role of Interdisciplinary Care in Lymphedema Management

Effective lymphedema management often requires a team approach, involving various healthcare professionals:

• Lymphedema specialists
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Vascular surgeons
• Dermatologists
• Nutritionists
• Mental health professionals

How does interdisciplinary care benefit lymphedema patients? This approach ensures comprehensive care addressing all aspects of lymphedema, from physical symptoms to emotional well-being and lifestyle adaptations.

Lymphedema in Special Populations: Tailoring Care to Unique Needs

Certain populations may require specialized approaches to lymphedema diagnosis and management:

Pediatric Lymphedema

Diagnosing and treating lymphedema in children presents unique challenges, requiring specialized expertise and age-appropriate interventions.

Lymphedema in Cancer Survivors

Cancer survivors, particularly those who have undergone lymph node removal or radiation therapy, require vigilant monitoring and tailored prevention strategies.

Lymphedema in Obesity

Obesity can complicate lymphedema diagnosis and treatment, necessitating a comprehensive approach addressing both conditions simultaneously.

How do healthcare providers adapt their approach for these special populations? Tailored diagnostic techniques, modified treatment plans, and close collaboration with specialists in related fields are essential for addressing the unique needs of these patient groups.

The Impact of Lymphedema on Quality of Life

Lymphedema can significantly affect various aspects of a person’s life, including:

• Physical comfort and mobility
• Body image and self-esteem
• Clothing choices and lifestyle activities
• Occupational performance
• Social interactions and relationships

How can healthcare providers address the psychosocial aspects of lymphedema? Incorporating quality of life assessments, offering psychological support, and providing resources for coping strategies are crucial components of comprehensive lymphedema care.

Emerging Technologies in Lymphedema Diagnosis and Monitoring

Advancements in technology are opening new avenues for lymphedema diagnosis and monitoring:

• 3D scanning for precise limb volume measurements
• Bioimpedance spectroscopy for early detection of fluid accumulation
• Wearable devices for continuous monitoring of limb volume
• Artificial intelligence algorithms for analyzing imaging data
• Telemedicine platforms for remote assessment and follow-up

How might these technologies transform lymphedema care in the future? These innovations have the potential to enhance early detection, improve treatment precision, and facilitate more convenient and frequent monitoring of lymphedema progression.

Diagnosis of Lymphedema – LymphCare

There is no specific test or tool to diagnose lymphedema. This makes the diagnosis difficult and a lot of patients struggle without a correct diagnosis for a long time. There are two main types of lymphedema – primary and secondary lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema is a rare disease that occurs when the lymphatic system has not developed adequately (or is not functioning as it should) from birth due to a genetic reason. Although the symptoms of primary lymphedema often occur in early life, symptoms may also occur after years and it may not be the first diagnosis that healthcare professionals (HCPs) think about. Secondary lymphedema is caused by injuries or diseases and is more common than primary lymphedema.

Who makes the diagnosis of lymphedema?

Your general practitioner (GP) or a nurse is likely to be your first contact person when you notice any signs or symptoms of lymphedema. The first step is to rule out any other reasons for your swelling.

Your Health Care Professional (HCP) will do a general check-up that includes a complete exam of your body, including your skin and soft tissues, lymph nodes, the function of your arteries and veins and any swollen areas. In addition, blood samples provide information about the function of your heart, kidneys, your thyroid glands and blood count.

A complete physical exam and your medical history are important in determining the type of your lymphedema.

After that, your HCP should refer you to a specialist for lymphedema to confirm the diagnosis and to develop a holistic treatment plan with you.

How is lymphedema diagnosed?

Basic diagnostics

Your medical history and the physical exam of your body are the main elements in the diagnosis of lymphedema.

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:

1. Check-up of your skin to rule out any injuries or infections
2. Palpation of your tissue (is it hard or soft?) and lymph nodes (are they larger than usual or painful?)
3. Check your body for other swollen areas
4. Measurement of the affected area to monitor the size over time
5. 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. Your HCP may need further information, for example when you have other diseases that can cause swelling or in the very early stages 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.

An early diagnosis of lymphedema is important for effective treatment and to prevent progression of your lymphedema. Be aware of your body and stay in contact with your HCP when you notice any changes or new signs and symptoms.

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Lymphoedema – Better Health Channel

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Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Lymphoedema is characterised by swelling of certain parts of the body, caused by problems with the lymphatic system.
• Women who have undergone surgery and radiotherapy for treatment of breast cancer are particularly susceptible.
• Treatment options include massage, medications, compression bandages, special exercises and surgery.

Lymphoedema is characterised by swelling of certain parts of the body, caused by problems with the lymphatic system. Any part of the body can be affected by lymphoedema, but it tends to target the arms and legs. Around 300,000 Australians will experience lymphoedema at any given time.

Normally, fluid and proteins leak into the body tissues regularly from the blood. This tissue fluid bathes the cells, supplies their nutritional needs and receives back the products of their metabolism. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. When this system is not working properly, lymphoedema can occur.

Women who have undergone surgery and radiotherapy for treatment of breast cancer are particularly susceptible to lymphoedema of the arm and, sometimes, the adjacent chest wall on the affected side. Men and women who have had surgery and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer of the prostate, bowel or reproductive systems are also prone to lymphoedema of the legs or groin areas.

Symptoms of lymphoedema

The symptoms of lymphoedema may include:

• the affected area feels heavy
• the skin feels tight and close to bursting point
• the skin is hotter than other areas of the body
• aching
• pins and needles
• darting pains
• painful joints
• swelling.

The lymphatic system

The main roles of the lymphatic system include managing the fluid levels in the body, filtering out bacteria, and housing types of white blood cells crucial to the body’s ability to fight infection. Muscular movements and contractions of the larger lymph vessels pump the lymph through the network of tubes. One-way valves in the vessels prevent the lymph from travelling backwards. The lymph is cleared ofmicro-organisms in glands of tissue called lymph nodes, located around the body. The lymph is eventually returned to the bloodstream, mainly through blood vessels in the neck.

Swelling, inflammation and risk of infection

Oedema (temporary swelling) occurs when the lymphatic system can’t efficiently remove excess fluid from tissues. A sprained ankle, for example, may be swollen for a few days or weeks. Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is injured or obstructed. The excess fluid and proteins in the tissue cause swelling and decrease the amount of oxygen available to the cells.
The extra proteins cause inflammation, which leads to fibrosis if lymphoedema is not treated.

The combination of extra proteins and body heat provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. These infections place greater stresses on the already labouring lymphatic system and hospital admission may be required in severe cases.

Primary lymphoedema

Primary lymphoedema is characterised by structural problems with the lymphatic system. The vessels may pump sluggishly or there may be insufficient numbers of vessels, or both may occur. Primary lymphoedema may be present before birth (congenital lymphoedema) or may develop during puberty (lymphoedema praecox) or middle age (lymphoedema tarda).

For those people who have a structural problem with the lymphatic system, the risk of developing a secondary lymphoedema overlying it is higher if they have surgery or radiotherapy for cancer treatment or other surgeries.

Secondary lymphoedema

Secondary lymphoedema is caused by obstructions in the lymphatic drainage system. This may be due to:

• surgery – particularly cancer-related surgery where lymph nodes are removed
• radiotherapy – the x-rays used to kill cancer cells may damage or destroy the nearby lymph nodes
• trauma – an injury to a lymphatic vessel may not heal properly
• parasites – such as worms, which may inhabit and block a lymphatic vessel
• lack of movement – muscular contractions are required to help pump the lymph through the vessels. Lack of movement allows the lymph to pool, particularly in the legs
• allergy – allergic reactions may affect the lymphatic system.

Lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer

Swelling of the arm, the remaining breast tissue or the chest can follow breast cancer surgery if the nearby lymph nodes in the armpit are removed. Radiotherapy can also cause swelling. Although the incidence varies – depending on the number of lymph nodes removed, whether radiotherapy was given and a range of other factors – around 10 per cent of women will experience lymphoedema to some degree with radiotherapy alone, while up to one-third of women who undergo both radiotherapy and surgery (and have other risk factors) will be affected. Lymphoedema can occur at any stage after the intervention, even 20 years later.

Diagnosis of lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is diagnosed with a number of different tests, including:

• Physical examination – taking into account the person’s prior medical history.
• Scans – specialised x-rays, including CT scans and especially lymphoscintigraphy (which gives a functional picture of the lymphatic system).
• Bioimpedance – to detect fluids.
• Perometry – to detect limb volume and circumference changes.
• Tonometry – to detect changes in the toughness (fibre) of the limb.

Treatment for lymphoedema

Lymphoedema can be treated in a number of ways, including:

• complex physical therapy (CPT) – combining compression, lymphatic draining, special exercises and skin care techniques
• compression bandages – to promote lymph flow
• lymphatic drainage massage – to manually move the lymph to a previously cleared, unaffected area and increase what drainage is present in the limb
• special exercises – muscular movement helps to pump lymph
• medications – such as benzopyrones (Paroven) to help remove excess proteins and associated fluid from the tissues
• massage – the person or their carer can be taught massage techniques
• low-level laser therapy – which can soften fibrotic tissue and help stimulate poorly functioning lymph vessels
• electrical stimulation – of the muscular elements of the lymph vessels and surrounding musculature
• various forms of vibratory massage – all of which in some way vary the tissue pressure and encourage uptake of fluids and their contents into the lymph vessels.

Financial assistance to purchase compression garments is available for people who are pension card holders through the Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program (Tel. 03 8458 4988).

Surgery for lymphoedema

Surgical procedures are not suitable for everyone and are best considered when all other efforts fail. The different types of surgery that may be used include:

• Lymphatic transplant operations – lymphatic vessels from a normal limb are surgically transferred into the affected area.
• Lympho-venous anastomosis – an existing, but blocked lymphatic vessel is joined to a vein.
• Liposuction – excess superficial tissue is sucked out between the skin and muscle layers. (This is most beneficial in the middle, fatty stage of lymphoedema.)

Self-help for lymphoedema

Areas of the body affected by lymphoedema are prone to infection. Suggestions to manage lymphoedema include:

• Pay particular attention to skin care to reduce the risk of infection.
• Avoid cuts, abrasions or other tissue injuries in the affected area.
• Don’t allow your skin to be sunburned.
• Avoid direct heat, such as hot baths, saunas and sunbathing.
• Have your bra professionally fitted.
• Don’t wear tight jewellery.
• Try not to sit down for long periods of time or, if you do, elevate the affected limb.
• Take regular and gentle exercise. (Tai chi and chi gong have recently been shown to be very effective for arm lymphoedemas). Even higher levels of exercise can be beneficial but talk to your health professional before starting any new activity.
• Make sure that any medical procedures such as injections, blood tests or blood pressure readings are taken from the unaffected arm if possible. If this is not possible, make sure that any wound site is well cleaned and signs for any early infection are reacted to.
• Avoid carrying heavy loads for any length of time, as this does not allow good lymph fluid clearance from the tissues.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Australasian Lymphology Association Tel. (03) 9895 4486
• Lymphoedema Compression Garment Program Tel. 03 8458 4988

• What is lymphoedema?External Link, Australasian Lymphology Association
• Lymphoedema managementExternal Link, Australasian Lymphology Association
• Lymphoedema: An information guide for patientsExternal Link, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute, NSW

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 31-08-2015

Lymphedema – diagnosis and treatment

Lymphedema of the extremities is a visible and palpable swelling of the legs resulting from stagnant lymph fluid. Lymph is a pale yellow or colorless fluid that contains blood plasma and lymphocytes (white blood cells).

There are many causes of the disease. Often, this is a blockade of the lymph nodes. The pressure in the vessels rises, and the lymph protrudes from the lymphatic channels, filling the tissues. The second reason is heredity. The patient may have too few lymphatic vessels or they may be different from the norm, so they cannot perform their function properly. At the same time, the risk of inheriting the disease is 50%.

The disease is rare. Women suffer from it 9 times more often than men. Usually, lymphedema manifests itself in the return of 15 to 20 years. And even less often the disease occurs in patients older than 35 years.

Diagnosis of Lymphedema of the Lower Extremities

Diagnosis for the presence of lymphedema of the legs begins with a physical examination of the patient. An anamnesis is collected, that is, the patient’s memories of his lifestyle, when he first noticed changes in the lower extremities, past diseases, operations, injuries, allergic reactions, chronic diseases and heredity. All this information helps the doctor determine the possible source of provoking the disease.

Lymphedema has primary and secondary forms. In primary, the patient’s toes will be square in shape. This bright distinguishing feature immediately excludes venous edema.

Imaging is not required to make a diagnosis. It is needed when determining the degree of tissue involvement in the pathological development of the disease. That is, to determine how much tissue has been damaged.

The main tests prescribed for lymphedema:

1. X-ray Needed to rule out bone anomalies.
2. Computed tomography. Usually prescribed for suspected malignancy.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging.
4. Indocyanine green lymphography.
5. Ultrasonography. Evaluation of the condition of the lymphatic and venous vessels for damage.
6. Lymphoscintigraphy. The condition of the lymphatic system is assessed.

Secondary lymphedema is characterized by an association with a previous disease, injury or operation. It is important to establish the cause and determine the extent of the disease in order to prescribe the correct treatment.

After getting acquainted with the clinical symptoms, the stage of the course of the disease is determined:

Stage 1 – edema is not visible from the outside, but the natural ability of the lymphatic system to circulate the lymph is already reduced;
stage 2 – swelling of the legs occurs in the evening;
stage 3 – onset of inflammation and irreversible symptoms;
Stage 4 Abnormal swelling of body parts.

At stages 1 and 2, the disease can be cured. Lymphedema is completely eliminated. In stages 3 and 4, the disease is irreversible.

Treatment of lymphedema

Lifestyle recommendations should be followed if diseased. For example, if you have stage 3 or 4 lymphedema, then you need to undergo therapy to reduce external pressure on the body. Do not wear tight, tight or tight clothing. You need to protect yourself as much as possible from possible injuries. At the first signs of inflammation, such as fever, chills, redness, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Treatment of primary lymphedema

In case of hereditary lymphedema, complex therapy is prescribed: lymphatic drainage, drugs (diuretics, benzopyrones), compresses, gymnastics, foot skin care to prevent ulcers or injuries, surgery.

Treatment of secondary lymphedema

If the patient has a secondary form of the disease, then the cause of the lymphedema should be treated. For example, when a malignant tumor is detected, treatment is aimed at eliminating the cause and alleviating the symptoms.

Timely treatment will help to avoid harmful consequences

It is necessary to predict the complications of the disease based on its causes and stage. Usually, with a hereditary predisposition to lymphedema, you can reduce the chances of its occurrence in simple ways. For example, avoid being overweight. Then the risk of inheriting the disease is reduced from 50% to 25%, which, you see, is a very significant result.

A timely visit to a doctor and timely treatment also reduces the chances of an unfavorable prognosis by almost 5 times. This is a powerful reason to protect yourself.

Phlebologists of the CDC Arbatsky help patients cope with the disease in the initial stages of the disease, almost until complete recovery. There is all the necessary modern equipment for diagnosing and effective therapy.

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symptoms and treatment – MC “Harmony” Lobnya

Lymphedema is swelling of the soft tissues of the extremities (often lower) due to improper outflow of lymph.

The disease is quite common, it is diagnosed in every tenth patient.

Women are more likely to suffer from lymphedema.

This disease is dangerous with a number of complications – malnutrition of tissues, the appearance of cracks and ulcers on the skin, lymphatic fistulas between the fingers, lymphangiosarcoma, erysipelas-type inflammation.

At the first symptoms of lymphedema, you should immediately seek medical advice.

Lymphedema symptoms

Noticing symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the legs or arms.
• Thickening and tightness of the skin.
• Heaviness in the legs.
• Difficulties in putting on watches or rings that have not been observed before.
• Decreased limb flexibility.
• Restriction of joint mobility.
• Pain.
• Thickening of the skin fold.
• Disappearance of the saphenous vein pattern.

You should immediately consult a doctor (this disease is treated by a phlebologist).

Causes of the disease and its diagnosis

There are two types of lymphedema:

• Primary (congenital) occurs due to the pathology of the lymphatic vessels. It is more often diagnosed in girls under 18 years of age (in 80% of cases). The disease may be hereditary.
• Secondary (acquired) may occur due to: infection, thrombosis of the lymphatic vessels, trauma, burns, surgery, radiation exposure, Milroy’s disease (usually affects women), medication, household allergic pathogens.

At the first stage of diagnosis, the doctor conducts an examination, measures the limbs, draws up a clinical picture of the disease, taking into account the patient’s complaints.

Next, lymphangiography and lymphoscintigraphy are prescribed.

Also, duplex scanning, computed tomography, MRI are often used to analyze the lymph flow and the state of the lymphatic system.

Treatment of lymphedema

Conservative methods of treatment are used if there is no organic pathology in the soft tissues.