About Lymphedema | sisterupmi

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in an area of the body. It typically occurs in a limb. For women who have had breast cancer the most common site is the arm on the affected side. It can also occur in the leg; this tends to be associated with pelvic surgeries.

The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system. It acts as a sewage system to the body to remove and filter the metabolic wastes from the body’s cells by transporting

the lymph fluid a clear, high protein fluid from the spaces between the cells. Fluid is transported through a network of lymphatic vessels and pathways to the lymph nodes where the filtering and detoxification occurs. It then is returned clean to the circulatory system. Lymphedema or swelling happens when there is an impairment of the lymphatic system that radically reduces its capacity to transport, filter and detoxify the lymph fluid. Lymphedema often occurs after surgery or radiation to that area in which vessels may have been damaged or lymph nodes removed.

Men and women who undergo surgery that includes removal of lymph nodes and/or radiation in connection with the treatment of breast cancer, gynecological cancers, prostate and testicular cancer, colon, bladder and kidney cancer and lymphoma and melanoma are at risk for developing lymphedema. The leading cause of lymphedema in the United States today is cancer and its treatments.

What are the Symptoms of Lymphedema?

Lymphedema usually begins with swelling in the hand or the foot. If you notice swelling (even slight swelling) that seems to persist in a limb, you should seek medical advice. If the problem is diagnosed and treatment begins early, the prognosis for improving the condition is greater than if it goes untreated. Do not ignore the problem. When lymphedema remains untreated, the limb becomes more swollen, and the skin hardens and loses elasticity. Untreated lymphedema can lead to infection and sometimes to complications that cannot be reversed.

Treating Lymphedema

If lymphedema is caused by an infection, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. If it is not caused by an infection, then compression will be needed to help reduce the swelling in the affected limb. Surgical compression stockings or sleeves can apply compression. A specially trained therapist may also perform special massage techniques, which are known as Manual Lymph Drainage.

The therapy will focus on gently massaging with a pumping motion connective tissue rather than muscle tissue. This stimulates the weakened lymphatic system by pushing the stagnant fluid through the vessels,

allowing the venous system to reabsorb the fluid and helping to develop channels through which the lymph can begin to flow.

Many patients will be prescribed garments that will provide compression for the affected limb. The garments help to keep fluid from accumulating in the limb. These garments have specific amounts of pressure and can be worn on the legs, hands, feet, or arms. The garments are made of a tight stretchy fabric. An expert fitter must fit lymphedema garments (sleeves and stockings.) Lymphedema sleeves and treatment can change the size of the affected limb as can various activities. Sometimes patients need more than one sleeve during this process because of the changing size of the limb. There is a tendency for patients to think that their sleeve has been fit improperly. Sometimes it has been, but more often than not, the limb has changed in size.

Note: these sleeves wear out with continued daily use and must be refit and replaced on a regular basis (approximately every 3-6 months). Over time with washing and wearing they lose their compression. Different levels of compression are used for prevention versus maintenance, your doctor or physical therapist will determine what is right for you.

"The Lymphedema Treatment Act," working its way through the United States Congress, is a Bill that would provide, if passed, lymphedema compression sleeves to be a covered benefit under Medicare standards. Learn more about The Lymphedema Treatment Act HERE