Update in Management of Peripheral Lymphedema

Lymphedema is frequently misdiagnosed, treated too late or not treated at all. Even mild lymphedema causes chronic leg discomfort and problem with walking, running and fitting shoes. Advanced lymphedema causes lifelong disability. Early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment and thus result in clinical improvement and prevent progression to chronic phase of the disease. The goal of lymphedema therapy is to restore function, reduce physical and psychologic suffering, and prevent the development of infection. The purpose of this book is to review approaches to lymphedema management focusing on recent ways in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, we summarize the studies addressing controversies in the optimal treatment and prevention of lymphedema.