Health Problems

Another way to detect lymphedema

Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a noninvasive technology that measures the amount of fluid in a limb. It works by sending low level electrical current through the arm or leg and measuring the resistance to current (impedance).

In this way, BIS can detect lymphedema, swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage that occurs in a fifth of patients following breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) has been detected effectively using dual-tab electrode BIS. Paula Donahue, DPT, MBA, and colleagues tested whether single-tab electrodes, which are significantly less expensive and readily available in most medical centers and outpatient clinics, can provide consistent BIS measurements in patients with BCRL and controls.

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