Prevention and Early Detection of  Lymphedema

“Dr. Lisa Curcio is a strong an advocate for measures to prevent lymphedema.”

 Lymphoedema is swelling that develops because there is a build-up of lymph fluid in a part of the body. Lymphoedema occurs most often in the arms or legs.  But it can affect other parts of the body (such as the trunk, groin or face), depending where the damage to the lymph system.

The cause can be a cancer blocking the ducts and glands that the lymph fluid would normally flow through.  Or it may be scarring from surgery or radiotherapy or infections that is blocking the lymph ducts.  Studies show from 20% to 45% of patients who are at risk for lymphedema will eventually develop it." Wall Street Journal 2004 [5].

The diagnosis, recognition and treatment of lymphedema has always been problematic for breast cancer patients. The procedure of sentinel node biopsy has revolutionized the treatment of breast cancer in that women who do not have cancer cells identified in their axilla do not need those lymph nodes removed. When this procedure was first introduced the quoted rate of lymphedema was 1% or less. Now that we have been performing this procedure for over 8 years, we now that the incidence is higher than those projected numbers but much lower than the risk of lymphedema with axillary node dissection (15-30%).

 As a strong advocate for preventative measures to prevent lymphedema, Dr. Curcio has partnered with local lymphedema specialists and refers her patients for evaluation and education during the postoperative period. Lymphedema may be extremely debilitating and although it cannot be cured, treatments often involving exercise, compression bandaging and massage can arrest the condition. Early detection and therefore early treatment are critical to providing the best patient outcome.  Dr. Curcio advices her patients to do exercises and perform measures that can reduce the risk of this condition.  

Recently, Dr. Curcio was the first physician on the West Coast to partner with ImpediMed and offered early detection of lymphedema through a procedure using bioimpedence. This technology allows the clinician to detect small amounts of extracellular fluid.   Early detection can lead to early intervention and prevention of an episode on clinical lymphedema.

More information from Impedimed on Lymphedema -FDA Clearance Received

ImpediMed has received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance for the L-Dex U400, a bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) device to assist physicians and other medical professionals in the clinical assessment of unilateral lymphedema of the arm in female breast cancer patients.  This clearance marks the continued expansion of our L-Dex family of products.

Recognizing lymphedema early and treating it promptly may prove to be the best way to prevent and manage the progression of the condition.  Lymphedema can be extremely debilitating and, if not detected early, may progress to an irreversible condition.  Treatment often involves exercise, compression bandaging and pumps, and manual lymph drainage.  Recent findings from the National Institutes of Health have demonstrated that preoperative assessment and continued surveillance enables the early diagnosis and successful treatment of lymphedema. While the study utilized a standardized volumetric technique for assessing the lymphedema, it did demonstrate clearly the benefits of early assessment and early detection potentially preventing the progression of the disorder.

ImpediMed has over 10 years of peer-reviewed studies demonstrating early detection with its BIS technology, and now with this FDA clearance for the L-Dex U400, can aid clinicians with the routine clinical assessment of patients, preoperatively and postoperatively. ImpediMed is committed to assisting in advancing the new clinical paradigm of earlier detection and earlier intervention to prevent progression of lymphedema to benefit patients.

ImpediMed’s L-Dex technology utilizes the characteristics of frequency-dependent current flow to quantify changes in extracellular fluid in the patient’s limb.  These changes can assist the physician and medical professional in the clinical assessment of patients for early signs of lymphedema. L-Dex technology is specific for extracellular fluid.  As fluid differences accumulate, L-Dex values increase on the scale.  The device provides an immediate result and is offered with software for tracking changes in the patient’s L-Dex value over time.

 Note: ImpediMed’s L-Dex devices are not intended to diagnose or predict lymphedema of an extremity.

 For further information contact our office or refer to the Impedimed website at http://www.impedimed.com.

 Contact Dr. Lisa Curcio to discuss your risk for lymphedema and offer early detection using a new non-surgical bioimpedence procedure.

Visit "Advanced Breast Care Specialists of Orange County"  in Mission Viejo, California.