HOW IS LYMPHEDEMA DIAGNOSED?
Clinical diagnosis by the symptomatic history of the condition as well as measurements and observation of symptoms is sufficient for diagnosis in approximately 90% of cases. In the remaining 10% symptoms can be non-specific making diagnosis more difficult. When necessary, CT or MRI scans can be used to image lymph nodes and show edema or fibrosis. Lymphangiography, an X-ray of the lymphatic system after injection of an oil-based contrast dye, is no longer used because it is thought to sometimes damage the remaining functional lymphatic vessels. Although it is costly, lymphoscintigraphy, an alternative imaging technique that utilizes a water-based dye, is now considered the safest and most accepted method of diagnostic testing for lymphedema.
