Can a practicing surgeon detect early lymphedema reliably?

Background: Lymphedema may be identified by simpler circumference changes as compared with changes in limb volume.

Methods: Ninety breast cancer patients were prospectively enrolled in an academic trial, and seven upper extremity circumferences were measured quarterly for 3 years. A 10% volume increase or greater than 1 cm increase in arm circumference identified lymphedema with verification by a lymphedema specialist.