We do not recommend one treatment over another - what works for one person may not work for someone else. Make sure you check with your doctor or other health care specialists in this area in developing your treatment plan or before you try something different. There are a number of other disorders which may look similar to some lympovenous disorders such as lymphedema but are not the same. It is recommended that you determine what your condition might be before embarking on any treatment program. Lymphatic diagnostic tools Lymphedema can usually be diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination alone.
Laboratory tests can exclude the causes of extremity edema.
If the diagnosis is still in doubt, or further evaluation is needed with respect to therapy, other investigations are available. Complications of lymphangiography include damage of the remaining lymphatics, worsening of the existing lymphedema, infection, skin staining, allergic reaction and possible lung damage. Lymphoscintography has emerged as the current diagnostic study of choice for lymphedema. A very small amount of a radioactive material is injected into the patient into either the hand or the foot and images are obtained at regular intervals. This test can be undertaken in radiology departments or clinics.