Lymphatic Care
Receive Expert Lymphatic Care
The Boston Lymphatic Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) provides effective lymphedema care. Our joint program is a collaboration of the Lymphatic Centers at BIDMC and Boston Children's Hospital, teaching affiliates of Harvard Medical School. Our multidisciplinary team works together with you to determine your best course of treatment and follow-up care.
The Center has evaluated over 3,000 new patients for lymphatic disorders since 2016. In this outpatient clinic, a cardiologist and a lymphatic medicine nurse practitioner thoroughly assess you to understand the cause of your symptoms. The goals of the clinic are to:
- Assure you receive an accurate diagnosis.
- Manage your lymphedema as well as possible, in close coordination with lymphatic therapy.
Nationally Renowned Lymphatic Care
LE&RN is an internationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to fighting lymphatic diseases and lymphedema. In 2020, LE&RN named the Boston Lymphatic Center a Comprehensive Center of Excellence.
Additionally, our annual symposium hosts programs for patients and clinicians. We are proud to draw lymphatic specialists from around the world. Staying at the forefront of treatment and research is important to us because it means we’re providing you the best possible care.
More About Lymphatic Care
The lymphatic system is part of your body’s immune system. Its main role is to drain fluid from the blood and throughout the body to maintain your body’s fluid levels. If you have a problem with your lymphatic system, it can affect other areas throughout your body.
Lymphatic Conditions We Treat
The most common lymphatic condition is lymphedema. This is when the body accumulates extra fluid that leads to swelling. If you’ve previously undergone cancer treatment — especially breast cancer treatment — you are at an increased risk for developing lymphedema. Your BIDMC care team works to help you prevent lymphedema and other complications, when possible.
Other lymphatic conditions include the following:
- Cancers of the lymphatic system
- Castleman disease (rare inflammatory disorder)
- Lymphadenopathy (diseased lymph nodes)
- Lymphangitis (swelling of the lymph system)
- Swollen lymph nodes
Specialized Diagnostic Services
The Lymphatic Imaging Group offers the full spectrum of diagnostic imaging:
- Lymphangiography (use of X-ray or MRI to capture images of the lymphatic system)
- Lymphoscintigraphy (use of radiotracers to capture images of the lymphatic system)
- MRI, including MR-Lymphangiography
- Ultrasound
- Sentinel node study
- SPECT-CT imaging
Interventional and Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Procedures
Our specialists perform interventional procedures such as vascular and lymphatic stenting, embolization and angioplasty. We utilize sclerotherapy to treat vascular malformations and other vascular anomalies. When needed, our surgeons provide vascular and endovascular surgical services.
Discover how actress and lymphedema advocate Kathy Bates is helping raise awareness—read Understanding Lymphedema: Keeping the Train on Track.
Learn more about lymphedema care and treatment at the Boston Lymphatic Symposium—here's additional patient and clinician education resources.
If you have not previously received care at BIDMC, please complete the Chronic Lymphedema New Patient Questionnaire in its entirety. Remember to include your full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
- Download the Chronic Lymphedema New Patient Questionnaire.
- Email us your completed form or fax it to 617-632-7840.
A team member will contact you within 3-4 business days to discuss the next steps and schedule the appropriate appointments. We look forward to assisting you.
Featured Location
Shapiro Clinical Center, 2nd Floor 330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
833-487-5963
Additional Services
Your lymphedema care team coordinates your care with other specialty providers throughout our medical center. This ensures you receive comprehensive, streamlined care.
