Lymphedema Screening and Early Detection Program

The Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer is dedicated to providing compassionate, cutting-edge care for individuals affected by breast cancer. We enhance lives through early detection, personalized treatment, and survivorship support, while advancing research, education, and advocacy. Our unwavering commitment is to make a meaningful difference, improving breast cancer outcomes for all.

We designed this program to reduce your risk of getting life-long lymphedema by testing you for early stages of lymphedema with the goal of preventing it from getting worse. A device in clinic is utilized to measure the fluid status and tissue composition in the arms which provides a score called L-Dex®. The L-Dex score is used to track changes in one extremity over time. This device is noninvasive and painless.

Screening for Lymphedema

Effective screening involves regular monitoring for early signs of lymphedema and using various measurement techniques to detect changes in limb volume or fluid accumulation.

Symptom Assessment:

• Self-Reported Symptoms: Patients are educated to report early signs such as heaviness, tightness, or swelling in the affected limb.
• Clinical Evaluation: Regular physical exams by healthcare providers to check for visible swelling or changes in limb size.

Measurement Techniques:

At the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer we utilize a measurement called Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS): A non-invasive method that measures the resistance of body tissues to the flow of a small electrical current, helping to detect fluid accumulation (pictured at right).

Education and Self-Monitoring:

• Patient Education: Teaching patients how to perform self-exams and understand early signs and symptoms.
• Self-Measurement: Training patients on how to measure their limbs at home using a tape measure.

Regular Follow-Up:

• Post-Treatment Monitoring: Regular follow-up visits with healthcare providers to monitor for lymphedema symptoms, especially important during the first few years after surgery or radiation.
• Michigan Medicine Surveillance Program: A Bioimpedance Spectroscopy scan will be completed prior to certain surgeries/procedures. For patients who have undergone Axillary Lymph Node dissection, arm measurements will be obtained after surgery and on a regular basis for 5 years. This will be followed with scans at 12 weeks post-surgery, then every 3 months for the first year. Continued surveillance occurs every 6 months for 2 years and then once per year for 2 more years.

Intervention and Management

Early detection allows for prompt intervention, which can reduce the severity or even prevent the progression of lymphedema.

Compression Therapy:

• Compression Garments: Custom-fitted sleeves or gloves to help reduce swelling and maintain fluid movement.
• Compression Bandaging: Multi-layer bandaging to minimize swelling.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD):

• Specialized Massage: Performed by trained therapists to stimulate lymphatic flow and reduce fluid accumulation.

Exercise:

Gentle exercises designed to promote lymphatic flow without overexerting the affected limb.

Skin Care:

Careful skin hygiene and prompt treatment of any cuts or insect bites to prevent infection, which can exacerbate lymphedema.

Weight Management:

Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity to support overall lymphatic health.

Innovations

Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction

Conclusion:

Lymphedema is a significant concern for breast cancer survivors, but with effective screening, education, and early intervention, its impact can be minimized. Regular monitoring, patient education, and comprehensive management strategies are critical for improving the quality of life for those at risk.

If you're a patient interested in making an appointment, please call 734-647-8902.  Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.