| Screening and Early Detection |
 Lymphedema begins to congest in the body tissue before it is visible as swelling. Symptoms such as heaviness, aching, and tingling,
are often reported before visible signs and symptoms of swelling occur. New technology in tissue measurement has enabled early
identification of very minimal changes in limb tissue congestion. Screening and early identification of lymphedema is, therefore,
an important part of clinical assessment. Any individual who has had lymph nodes removed from the body is a risk for developing swelling. Most lymph node removal surgeries are planned as part of cancer therapy. Tissue measurements should, therefore, be taken before lymph nodes are removed to establish a baseline limb volume. Repeating this measurement through the duration of cancer treatment allows the provider to assess the tissue and determine if there are any meaningful changes. This approach promotes early identification of tissue changes at Stage 0 or Stage 1 when the condition is less severe and more responsive to conservative therapy. Several measurement tools are used for early identification, including: BioImpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) - BIS uses a small electrical wave to understand if fluid congestion is occurring in the tissue. BIS can detect tissue changes before they are visible and is an effective tool to use in early detection. Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) Device - This device measures tissue water content and localized edema, using a high-frequency electromagnetic wave that is transmitted by the tissue with a non-invasive probe placed in direct contact with the skin. Perometry - Perometers use an infra-red optoelectronic beam to scan the limb and calculate the volume. The Perometer can detect tissue changes before they are visible and enable early intervention. This device is not widely available in clinics for measurement. Circumferential Measurement with Volumetric Calculation - Using a standard tape measure, circumferential measures are taken at predetermined distances along the length of the limb. Each circumference is used in a geometric formula for a cylinder or a frustum, which enables calculation of the limb volume. More recently, 3D imaging programs have been developed that also captures a circumferential measurement of the extremity. Early detection depends on having a baseline ‘normal’ measure and repeating that measure over time to identify the early onset of sub-clinical changes. Optimally both limbs are measured so that comparison over time and between limbs can be used to improve the sensitivity of early detection. Along with tissue measures, consideration should be given to the individual’s weight change and level of activity. Click the buttons below to learn more DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. |
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