How is lymphedema diagnosed?

Diagnosing lymphedema is based primarily on history and physical exam. Swelling in one or both legs or an arm can be caused by impaired lymph circulation in the extremity or fluid accumulation from leaky blood vessels or heart problem. The clinician will press on the affected skin to look for a fingertip indentation (pitting). The skin will be indented in people with the much more common type of edema caused by leaky blood vessels. Pitting may be present with early lymphedema, but most skin does not indent with pressure.