Lymphedema

Diagnosis

A thorough physical examination, appropriate imaging studies, and other tests allow Mayo Clinic doctors to determine the cause of the swelling. Scans and tests that may be used to diagnose what is causing lymphedema include:

Physical examination — The physical examination by the doctor will include a detailed medical history of the patient, skin inspection, and, when appropriate, baseline measurements of the arm or leg.

Basic laboratory tests — Blood tests ordered by the physician may include measurements that evaluate how well the kidney, liver, and thyroid are working.

Lymphoscintigraphy — This test uses a radionuclide dye to look at the flow of lymphatic fluid in your limbs. The dye is injected under the skin and then scanned at several time intervals to assess how fluids travel in the lymphatic system and lymph nodes. This test is available in Rochester.

Vascular ultrasound — In vascular ultrasound, very high-frequency sound waves produce images of the blood vessels. The physician examines these images to find acute or chronic obstructions.

Echocardiogram — An echocardiogram provides the physician with information about the heart without using surgery or X-rays. Echocardiography uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of the heart. An echocardiogram helps determine the size of the heart, how the heart valves are working and how well the heart is pumping. An echocardiogram is usually done to detect heart or blood vessel problems such as heart attack, leaking valves, weakened heart, heart defects, blood clots and other normal or abnormal conditions. A transthoracic echocardiogram is the standard way to perform the test. An ultrasound probe is placed on the chest, and the heart is scanned from various angles.

CT scan — Computed tomography (CT) produces images of the body in cross sections, allowing a more detailed view.

MRI scan — A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan gives the doctor a better look at the body's tissues. An MRI can show characteristics of lymphedema.