Diagnosis
If you're at risk of lymphedema — for example, if you've had cancer surgery that took out or damaged your lymph nodes — your healthcare professional may diagnose it based on your symptoms and a physical exam.
If the cause of your lymphedema isn't clear, your healthcare professional may order imaging tests to look at your lymphatic system. These tests can show whether there are blockages or damage. Common tests include:
- MRI scan. During an MRI scan, magnets and radio waves create detailed 3D images of the tissues.
- CT scan. A CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed images that can show blockages in the lymph system.
- Ultrasound. In this test, sound waves create images of structures inside the body and can help detect blockages in other vessels. But ultrasound cannot show the lymphatic vessels.
- Lymphoscintigraphy. This test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer, then recording images to track how the tracer moves through the lymph vessels. This helps find areas where the fluid flow is blocked.
Treatment
Lymphedema can't be cured, but treatment can help reduce swelling, improve comfort and prevent complications.
Medications
People with lymphedema are more likely to get skin infections such as cellulitis. Your healthcare professional may give you antibiotics to keep on hand so you can start taking them right away if you have symptoms of infection.
A fungal infection between your toes, commonly called athlete's foot, can lead to skin cracks. These cracks can allow germs to enter the body and cause cellulitis. If you have redness, itchiness or scaling between your toes, make sure you dry between the toes thoroughly after showering or bathing. Promptly treat the infection using an antifungal ointment you can buy without a prescription.
Therapy
Specialized lymphedema therapists can teach you techniques and provide equipment to help manage swelling. Common treatments include:
- Exercises. Gentle movements that help the muscles contract can push excess fluid out of the swollen area.
- Manual lymph drainage. This light massage technique helps move trapped fluid toward areas with working lymph vessels. You should not try manual lymph drainage if you have a skin infection, blood clots or active cancer in the affected area.
- Compression bandages. Wrapping the entire limb with low-stretch bandages helps fluid flow back toward the body's center.
- Compression garments. Snug elastic sleeves or stockings apply pressure to the arm or leg to help drain fluid. A prescription and professional fitting are often needed to ensure proper compression.
- Sequential pneumatic compression. A special sleeve connected to a pump inflates and deflates in cycles, gently moving lymph fluid away from the fingers or toes.
Surgical and other procedures
Surgery may be an option for some people when lymphedema doesn't get better with other treatments. However, surgery isn’t right for everyone. A healthcare professional at a specialized center needs to carefully evaluate your condition to see whether surgery is possible and likely to help.
- Transplanting lymph nodes. Working lymph nodes are taken from another part of the body and connected to the lymph vessels in the affected limb. This can improve drainage and reduce the need for compression therapy in early stages.
- Creating new drainage paths. Surgeons can connect lymph vessels to nearby blood vessels. This allows fluid to drain through the bloodstream instead of the blocked lymph system.
- Removing hardened tissue. For serious lymphedema, fibrous or thickened tissue may be removed to improve movement and comfort. This can be done through liposuction or, when lymphedema is very advanced, by surgically removing hardened skin and tissue.
Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and home remedies
To lower your risk of complications from lymphedema, take steps to protect the affected arm or leg from injury. Even small cuts, scrapes or burns can lead to infection. Be careful around sharp objects. For example:
- Use an electric razor instead of a regular one.
- Wear gloves when gardening or cooking.
- Use a thimble when sewing.
Coping and support
Living with lymphedema can be frustrating, especially since there's no cure. However, you can take steps to manage your condition and protect your health.
Try the following:
- Learn about lymphedema. Understanding the condition and its causes can help you communicate better with your healthcare team.
- Care for your affected limb. Wash and dry it every day. Check for cuts, cracks or signs of infection. Use lotion to keep your skin soft. If you have lymphedema in your foot, dry very carefully between your toes. Change your socks often to help prevent fungal infections.
- Take care of your overall health. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise if possible, manage stress, and get enough sleep. Good overall health helps your body heal and gives you more energy.
- Connect with others. Join a support group or an online community for people living with lymphedema. Sharing experiences can help you feel less alone and more encouraged.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the most of your visit with your healthcare professional, it helps to plan ahead.
What you can do
Take a list of the following:
- Your symptoms, even those that don't seem related to the reason for your appointment.
- Key personal information, such as major illnesses, injuries, cancer treatments and recent life changes.
- All medicines, vitamins and supplements you take.
- Questions you want to ask your healthcare professional.
For lymphedema, good questions to ask include:
- What's the most likely cause of my swelling?
- Could something else be causing it?
- What tests do I need, and how should I prepare for them?
- Will the swelling go away in time?
- What treatments are available?
- Are there alternatives to the treatment you're suggesting?
- Are there medicines that can help with swelling?
- How can I manage lymphedema with my other health conditions?
- Do I need to change my diet or activity level?
- Do you have printed materials or website recommendations where I can learn more?
Don't hesitate to ask any other questions that come to mind.
What to expect from the doctor
Your healthcare professional may ask questions such as:
- When did the swelling start?
- Did it happen after surgery, an injury, or radiation therapy or after starting new medicine?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
- Do you have swelling all the time or does it come and go?
- What makes the swelling better or worse?
- What treatments have you tried, and did they help?
What you can do in the meantime
- Keep the swollen limb raised as much as possible.
- Protect your skin from cuts, burns and irritation.
- Avoid heating pads on the affected area — swelling can reduce your ability to feel pain and increase the risk of burns.
- Apply moisturizer daily to prevent dry or cracked skin.
Aug. 07, 2026