Lymphedema Explained
The lymphatic system is a vast and delicate network of vessels and nodes that act as a transport system for waste products that collect as a result of cellular metabolism. Lymphatic fluid, called lymph, is clear and colorless. Lymphedema is a swelling that occurs in an area of the body where the lymphatic vessels or nodes have been damaged or injured (Secondary lymphedema) or where they have been malformed or are absent at birth (Congenital or Primary lymphedema). Lymphedema affects women and men of all ages from infants to seniors. Patient’s at risk for developing secondary lymphedema are those who have undergone any type of surgery that included lymph node removal, and/or radiation therapy or patients who have had a traumatic injury to an extremity such as from an accident, burn or severe infection. Primary lymphedema typically manifests during puberty or between the ages of 35 and 45. However, primary lymphedema can occur at virtually any age with onset occurring as early as infancy. Lymflo Therapies treats all types of lymphedema due to either primary or secondary causes.
Have you experienced swelling after treatment for cancer?
A large percentage of the patients treated at Lymflo Therapies
have secondary lymphedema resulting from cancer therapy. The events that can
cause lymphedema in cancer therapy are:
- The removal of or damage to lymph nodes.
- Radiation therapy which damages tissue surrounding lymph vessels.
- Scar tissue from surgery.
When looking at breast cancer alone, of the approximate 2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, one third will develop lymphedema either in the trunk and/or extremity. Other types of secondary lymphedemas treated at Lymflo Therapies include edemas post orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and following severe burns and crush injuries.
Do you have swelling and excessively dry or discolored skin
because of vascular insufficiency?
Sometimes, because the valves of the veins
are not functioning properly, the fluid portion of the blood seeps
into the surrounding tissue, which causes the tissue to swell.
This can happen as a result of the normal aging process, or as
a result of diabetes or long-term smoking. When the swelling exceeds
the capacity of the lymphatic vessels to absorb the fluid, lymphedema
results. This swelling is a combination of lymphedema and venous
disease. Treatment for the resolution of the swelling is the same
as for lymphedema.
How do I know if I have lymphedema?
This is a condition that is best diagnosed
by a physician or specialist who has experience in dealing with
lymphatic conditions. Sometimes the beginning signs of lymphedema
are very subtle. In fact many will report that they did not “feel”
any symptoms. This is sub-clinical lymphedema. As lymphedema advances,
the signs and symptoms of lymphedema can include an observable
and measurable difference in the size of the extremity or area
involved, a feeling of heaviness and tightness, decreased mobility,
frequent infections, aching, tingling, the inability to find appropriate
fitting clothes, indentations in the skin after prolonged pressure,
hardening of the skin, and changes in the color and condition
of the skin.
What is the prognosis for
lymphedema?
At this time there
is no cure for lymphedema; however,
there are treatments to control the
symptoms, increase patient comfort,
and reduce the occurrence of additional
complications. Early treatment leads
to better results and easier long term
management.