title: [Lymphedema--anatomy, pathophysiology and diagnosis].
abstract: Lymphedema is a protein-rich edema that develops as a result of diseased or traumatized lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes. Four stages of the disease are recognized. In primary lymphedema, congenital obstruction of lymphatic flow presents, and this can manifest at anytime during the course of a person's lifetime. Secondary lymphedema is a sequela of a malignant tumor, inflammatory processes, injuries, surgery or irradiation. The diagnosis is established on the basis of careful history-taking, inspection, and physical examination including measurements of circumference, which are of importance in particular for follow-up purposes, and a comparison of skinfold thickness between the healthy and afflicted sides. The use of diagnostic equipment is rarely required, with indirect lymphography and lymphoscintigraphy heading the list of options.
authors.affiliation: Fachbereichsleitung Lymphangiologie, Krankenhaus Freising.
authors.forename: R H K
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Strössenreuther
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008220:Lymphography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012885:Skinfold Thickness