How is lymphodema diagnosed?

Hello,  sorry you are having a problem and sounds painful.  Can you see a Doctor and get an evaluation?  It is almost impossible to diagnose anything over the phone.   The lymphedema specialist should know if it is lymphedema or not but I think a Dr should evaluate.  Take care.

Barbara

Hello, I have lymphodoema of my chest wall and axillary area. I keep it out of the arm with exercises. I get flare ups though. I was diagnosed by an excellent lymphodoema nurse, who was meticulously thorough. I had a physical examination, which also revealed fibrosis on the chest wall (which they successfully treated) where they gently press areas of the affected areas. Also measurements taken of each side to see the differences between the two. Superb treatment. Xx

Thank you for your reply.  Its reassuring.  Good to hear you got such excellent treatment x

Thank you for replying to me.  I was wondering if they did scans and a proper check to make sure they know what is wrong with my breast. Don't want to be fobbed off. X

I don't think I have been officially diagnosed but it was about 4 months after rads my arm was very swollen and armpit puffy. I rang the physio team attached to breast unit and they asked me to go in. I had biro doodled on me at stages up both arms and they measured them. I was given a compression sleeve and some exercises. They monitored me for a few weeks then I had a gap and I saw someone in the June at my 1 year check. My boob gets hard at the bottom which is helped by me removing my bra when home for work and wearing a supported vest top. I did put my sleeve on for a few days last week as arm felt puffy but they say it'll never go and just to see how it progresses. I have moved areas and have my second year check up in 2 weeks so am going to ask them as whole new team. 

I have found this lady on you tube very helpful more so than hospital! Good luck x

youtube.com/@TheBreastCancerPhysio 

Thank you for replying to me. Its helpful to know how others have been diagnosed.  I reckon I have lymphoedema but worried about it because its in my breast so want to know what tests to ask for.