LYMPHEDEMA DIAGNOSIS & DOCTORS

If you have unexplained persistent swelling, start with your family doctor or nurse practitioner.  Lymphedema is usually diagnosed through medical history and physical examination.  Your healthcare provider may refer you for further assessment when necessary.

DOCTORS FOR LYMPHEDEMA DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

DR ELLIOTT WEISS, MD FRCPC

Consultant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Providence Health Care 408-1160 Burrard St Vancouver BC V6Z 1Y6

Fax Referral to: 604-974-8882 | Email: eweiss@providencehealth.bc.ca

 

LAWRENCE KEI, MD. MLD 

Opal Physiotherapy Clinic

20226 Fraser Hwy #102, Langley BC V3A4E6

Fax Referral to: 604-532-7897

DR ERIN BROWN, MD, PhD, FRCSC

UBC/VGH Lymphedema Program - Division Head

Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre Plastic Surgery, 3rd floor, Reception 8

2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9 Tel: 604.875.5866 ext 2

Fax Referral to: 604-875.5861

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

The Stemmer sign is a physical examination. If the examiner cannot pinch the skin of the dorsum of the foot or hand, then this positive finding is associated with lymphedema.

• Measuring the volume (using a perometer) or circumference (using a measuring tape) of a limb and comparing to the opposite unaffected limb is a physical examination used by a therapist.  
• A volume of difference of 100 ml between limbs or a 2 cm difference (measured at set intervals along the limb) is often used for a definitive diagnosis of lymphedema.
  
  
• Lymphoscintigraphy is performed by a doctor.  During this test, the person is injected with a radioactive dye and then scanned by a machine.  The resulting images show the dye moving through the lymph vessels, highlighting blockages to confirm Lymphedema.
  
• Indocyanine green lymphography (ICG) is performed by a doctor.  During this test, the person is injected with a green colored medical dye and then scanned by a machine.  The resulting image scans the superficial lymphatics and helps delineate individualized lymphedema treatment.
  
  
•  Magnetic Resonance Lymphangiography (MRL) (may not be available in B.C. yet).