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Lymphedema


About this topic


Lymphedema is a buildup of fluids in your body. Your lymph system is made of tiny vessels, lymph nodes, and organs like the tonsils or spleen. This system helps fight germs. It also helps get rid of extra fluid from the body. Sometimes, the lymph system may become damaged or blocked. This may happen because of cancer, surgery, or radiation treatments. Damage to lymph nodes can also cause problems with the lymph system. There are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. ‚  

What are the causes?


Primary lymphedema happens when you are born with a problem in your lymph system like: ‚  
  • Milroys disease ¢ ˆ ’ Begins as an infant
  • Lymphedema praecox ¢ ˆ ’ Starts in the teen years or into your 30s
  • Lymphedema tarda ¢ ˆ ’ Starts after age 35

Secondary lymphedema happens when your lymph system is damaged by: ‚  
  • Injury
  • Surgery, often when lymph nodes are taken out
  • Radiation
  • Infection
  • Cancer

What are the main signs?


  • The area with lymphedema may be swollen and your clothes or jewelry may be tighter.
    • Your swollen body part may feel heavy, tired, or sore. It may also itch, burn, or ache.
  • Trouble moving the swollen body part
  • Your skin may be red, thick, and have blisters or small wart like growths. It may also have no hair on the affected area.
  • Infection

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will look at and feel your swollen body part. The doctor may measure both sides of your body to compare to each other. The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Lab tests
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • CT or MRI scan
  • A test to look at the lymph system in detail. This is called lymphoscintigraphy.

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


  • Your doctor should refer you to a certified lymphedema therapist. Often, a lymphedema therapist will be a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or nurse. They will help you begin a lymphedema program.
  • Your lymphedema therapy program may include:
    • Keeping the body part raised on pillows when possible.
    • Compression bandages
    • Special massage called manual lymphatic drainage
    • Exercise program
    • Additional compression garments. These will help keep fluid away. In some cases, your therapist may try a compression pump.
  • Lymphedema is generally not fixed with surgery.

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • This is a life-long health problem that rarely goes away and stays away.
  • Keep a healthy weight. Being too heavy can put extra stress on your lymph system.
  • Eat a diet low in salt.
  • Keep active and work out. Do not use heavy weights or do hard workouts.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Fight an infection
  • Get rid of extra water from your system

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


Sometimes, you are at a higher risk for getting lymphedema. Your risk goes up if you have had any lymph nodes taken out with surgery. Radiation and injuries to the lymph system can also raise your risk. ‚  
If you are at risk: ‚  
  • Avoid getting blood pressures or needle sticks on the arm where you have had lymph nodes cut out. If not possible, then ask for the most experienced person to draw your blood. Avoid many attempts to draw blood as it can increase swelling.
  • Wear protection to keep you from getting a cut or scrape. Use gloves when gardening.
  • Wear long pants when walking in the woods.
  • If you get a cut on your swollen body part, wash the area right away. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage.
  • Keep your skin clean. Use lotion to keep skin from drying out and cracking.
  • If your arm is at risk for getting lymphedema:
    • Do not wear tight-fitting clothes.
    • Do not carry heavy loads.
    • Do not carry a heavy purse over your shoulder.
    • Push back cuticles instead of cutting them.
  • Think about wearing a medical alert bracelet if you are at risk for getting lymphedema.

If you have lymphedema: ‚  
  • Avoid high temperatures. Be careful when using a heating pad, hot tub, or sauna. Heat makes swelling worse. Wear sunscreen if you go outdoors.
  • Use an electric razor so you do not get cut when shaving.
  • If you travel by airplane and are at risk for getting lymphedema, talk to you doctor about getting a compression sleeve or stockings to wear during the plane ride. Changes in air pressure can affect the flow of your lymph system.

Where can I learn more?


American Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/physicalsideeffects/lymphedema/whateverywomanwithbreastcancershouldknow/lymphedema-with-breast-cancer-if-at-risk-for-lymphedema ‚  
National Cancer Institute ‚  
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/Patient/ ‚  
National Lymphedema Network ‚  
http://www.lymphnet.org ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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