3.Diagnosis
Your doctor will rule out other causes of swelling, such as infections and blood clots. They’ll measure the swollen area and compare it with a similar unaffected one. Tests that check for blockages and see how your lymphatic system is working include MRI and lymphoscintigraphy, which follows special dye injected into your body as it moves through the lymph vessels. Grades (1-4) or stages (I-III) describe how severe lymphedema is.
4.Treatment
Lymphedema can’t be cured, but you can control the swelling and keep it from getting worse. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight may make it better, but «water pills» usually won’t. Specialized lymphedema therapists can also help you manage the condition. If it’s severe, your doctor may want to do surgery to remove some tissue so there’s less swelling. Stage I may go away without treatment.
