http://lymflo.com/lymphedema_faq.html
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:
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.
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