Essay On Lymphedema

Diagnosis of lymphedema requires a detailed medical history and physical exam [15]. From medical history, patients with breast cancer and lymphedema may report symptoms such as sensation of arm fullness and mild discomfort, which are seen in the early stages of the condition, whereas joint immobility, pain, and skin changes are noted frequently in the later stages of lymphedema. Furthermore, changes may include pitting of tissues, increased thickness of skin folds, and enlargement of the affected limb [15]. The history of present illness should determine when the onset of symptoms occurred, duration of symptoms, any triggering events, and what treatments have been attempted [14, 15]. Moreover, the history should include information about past operations, postoperative complications, radiation treatment, the time interval from radiation or surgery to …show more content…
Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging show a distinctive honey-comb pattern within the lymphatic system that helps differentiate lymphedema from other potential cancer-related causes of edema such as deep vein thrombosis [19]. Lymphangiography was used extensively in the past as an imaging technique, but it is associated with inflammation, scarring, and atrophy of the lymph vessels that can further impair lymph transport capacity. [19]. Lymphoscintigraphy, the method of injection of a radioactive tracer into the subdermal region of the affected limb and monitoring with a gamma camera, has been used in a preliminary way to predict those at increased risk for lymphedema after axillary treatment [19]. The specific advantage of lymphoscintigraphy is that it can identify pathways of lymphatic drainage, dermal backflow, collateral lymph channels, number of lymph nodes, and clearance times of the radiophamaceutical