Lymphedema often initially appears as a moderate swelling of the afflicted limb. In the early stages, elevating the limb may decrease the swelling however over time the limb will usually proceed to increase in size. As the Lymphedema evolves, the affected limb will no longer respond to elevation which is when the condition really takes a hold both increasing the swelling and the pain. Following is some information regarding Lymphedema testing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida courtesy of general surgeon Dr. Rimmer.

Initial Consultation

Most doctors will initially rule out other causes of the swelling before diagnosing Lymphedema because swelling can be caused by a number of health issues including an infection or blood clot that doesn't involve the lymph nodes. If you're at risk of Lymphedema because of a recent cancer surgery that involved your lymph nodes, your doctor may detect Lymphedema based mostly on the signs and symptoms. If the cause of your Lymphedema isn't apparent, the doctor may decide to order imaging tests to determine the true cause. To get a better look at your lymphatic system, the general surgeon may use imaging procedures that include:

Doppler Ultrasound

Ultrasound is useful in finding obstructions and Doppler ultrasound's look at blood flow and pressure by bouncing high frequency sound waves (aka ultrasound) off of red blood cells. This Lymphedema testing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida helps doctor's pinpoint probable causes.

Computerized Tomography (CT scan).

A CT scan is an X-ray strategy that produces cross sectional, detailed images of the body's structures and can disclose regions of the lymphatic system that might be blocked.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

By utilizing radio waves and a magnetic field an MRI generates high resolution, 3D images that give general surgeons a better look at the tissues in the leg or arm as well as provide the ability to see any present characteristics of Lymphedema.

Radionuclide Imaging of Your Lymphatic System (Lymphoscintigraphy)

During Radionuclide imaging the patient is injected with radioactive dye and scanned by the imaging machine. The ensuing images display the radioactive dye moving through the lymph vessels, displaying areas of lymph fluid blockage.

There isn't a cure for this painful problem however with Lymphedema testing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Dr. Rimmer will be able to come up with a treatment that focuses on controlling the pain and reducing the swelling and also includes doctor prescribed exercises, massage, wrapping the affected area and compression garments.

Dr. John Rimmer is a leading general surgeon in the West Palm Beach County area whose practice specializes in diseases of the breast. We encourage you to give our office a call at (561) 748-1242 with any questions you may have about Lymphedema testing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Dr. Rimmer and his staff of professionals want all of our patients to be well informed decision makers when it comes to their medical care and treatments.