Lymphedema

Lymphedema is most often diagnosed through a physical examination and a review of the person's treatment history. A clinician may measure and compare the circumference of both arms over time, since a meaningful difference between the treated and untreated side supports the diagnosis. 

Specialized tools can detect lymphedema earlier or clarify uncertain cases, including bioimpedance spectroscopy, which measures fluid levels in the limb, and lymphoscintigraphy, an imaging test that uses a small amount of tracer to map how lymph fluid is moving. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other causes of swelling, such as a blood clot.

The cornerstone of treatment is a structured program known as complete decongestive therapy, which combines several elements delivered by a trained therapist. Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, specialized massage technique that encourages fluid to move toward areas where it can drain normally. This is paired with compression, first using bandaging to reduce the swelling and later using fitted compression garments to maintain the improvement. Carefully prescribed exercises help the muscles pump fluid out of the limb, and meticulous skin care reduces the risk of infection. Most people manage lymphedema successfully with this combination, continued as a long-term routine.