Lymphedema: Medical History

The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of lymphedema.

Family history

  • Is there a frequent occurrence of lymphatic system disease in your family?

Social anamnesis

Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).

  • When did you notice the circumferential increase?
  • Where is the circumferential increase localized? In more than one part of the body?
  • Has the situation remained unchanged since then or can the edema be reduced by elevation?
  • Can a triggering event be remembered? Surgery? Accident? Etc.?
  • Is the swelling painful?
  • Are you prone to the formation of hematomas (bruises)?
  • Do you often suffer from infections of the affected body region?
  • Are there other skin findings, such as erythema (erysipelas,fungal infection, erythroderma),hyperkeratosis, ectaticskin lymphatics, lymphocysts,lymphatic fistulas, fungal infection,skinfold retractions (deepenedskinfolds), etc?
  • Did lymphatic outflow occur?
  • Do you suffer from shortness of breath, chest tightness on exertion/at rest?* .

Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis.

  • Do you have good physical capacity? How many floors can you climb stairs without shortness of breath?
  • Do you smoke? If so, how many cigarettes, cigars or pipes per day?
  • Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
  • Do you use drugs? If yes, what drugs and how often per day or per week?

Self history incl. medication history.

  • Pre-existing conditions (cardiovascular disease, tumor disease, injuries).
  • Operations
  • Radiotherapy
  • Allergies
  • Medication history

* If this question has been answered with “Yes”, an immediate visit to the doctor is required! (Information without guarantee)