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LYMPHEDEMA DIAGNOSIS
Your family doctor may not be able to diagnose Lymphedema (yet). Training is available for doctors if they wish to know more about this disease.
For doctor training:
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).