Trends in the evaluation of lymphedema.

ABSTRACT

This study reviews the criteria and the various measurements available for evaluation of a patient with peripheral lymphedema based on a systematic literature search using Medline. Each clinician needs to be more aware of the measuring technique chosen to determine limb swelling with the inherent limitations of each if errors in calculations or misinterpretations are to be avoided. Determining the patient's symptoms (subjective) and limb changes (objective) are both importantfor evaluating response to treatment.