[Research progress on the application of ultrasound technology in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema].

Lymphedema is a chronic progressive disease caused by abnormal development of the lymphatic system or lymphatic reflux disorder caused by congenital or acquired factors, early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema are crucial for controlling the patient's condition. Traditional imaging methods (such as lymphoscintigraphy and magnetic resonance lymphography) have problems such as high cost, radiation exposure, or technical limitations in the diagnosis and evaluation of lymphedema. Ultrasound technology has become one of the core tools for diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema due to its advantages of non-invasive, real-time dynamic imaging, and repeatability. Therefore, we summarized the different characteristics of various ultrasound techniques for lymphedema in the diagnosis and treatment. Although ultrasound technology has significant advantages, there are still challenges such as operator dependence and limited deep tissue imaging. Doctors should select appropriate examination methods according to the specific conditions and characteristics of patients, so as to achieve the purpose of accurate diagnosis and selection of the best diagnosis and treatment plan.