Diagnostic workup of lymphedema

Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive pathological state of tissue swelling caused by congenital or acquired lymphatic abnormality. History, physical and laboratory examinations could help to diagnosis > 90% lymphedema patients. Early stage lymphedema could be challenging to diagnose. The aim of this review is to provide an objective appraisal of current diagnostic methods, such as lymphoscintigraphy, lympho-fluoroscopies, lymphangiography and etc. focusing on their respective advantages and weaknesses, and hopefully shed some lights on developing a practical diagnosis modality beneficial to early detection and clinical decision making of lymphedema.