The Diagnostic Approach to Lymphedema: a Review of Current Modalities and Future Developments

The objective of this review is to discuss current modalities and devices as well as highlight promising advancements intended to aid in diagnosing secondary lymp hedema in breast cancer patients.Recent FindingsImaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can offer high resolution of the lymphatics but are expensive and time-consuming. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an alternative that reveals organ function as opposed to organ structure. Other imaging methods, such as color duplex ultrasound (CDU), laser scanner 3D (LS3D), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), are relatively easy to use, reproducible, and fast to perform. However, the disadvantages of these techniques include lower sensitivity and specificity compared with CT and MRI. Of note, direct imaging techniques are highly effective for the diagnosis of lymphedema because they utilize dyes or radiotracers in order to directly visualize lymphatic vessels. Fluorescent microlymphography (FMLG) and near-infrared imaging (NIR) involve injection of fluorescent dyes that can be excited with light. Lymphoscintigraphy has effectively replaced lymphangiography as the method of choice for the diagnosis of lymphedema because it is safer, less invasive, and has no risk of causing an allergic reaction in patients. Novel approaches that are currently in development include bioimpedance spectroscopy, ultra-high-frequency ultrasound systems (UHFUS), and magnetic ...
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research