that carries a clear fluid called "lymph (figure 1). The lymphatic system is similar to the system of blood vessels. But instead of blood, the lymphatic system carries lymph, which contains infection-fighting cells. Lymphedema happens when the flow of lymph through the lymphatic system gets backed up. This is a common problem after cancer treatment. ‚
What are the symptoms of lymphedema? " ” The most common symptoms of lymphedema are: ‚
- Swelling in your limb
- Aching pain
- Tight or heavy feeling in the affected limb
- Trouble moving the affected limb
The symptoms can come on slowly. It might be weeks, months, or even years after your cancer treatment before you have symptoms of lymphedema. ‚
Is there a test for lymphedema? " ” No, there is no test. Your doctor or nurse can figure out if you have lymphedema by talking to you about your symptoms and doing an exam. An important part of the exam will be to measure the length around the affected limb (called your limb circumference). ‚
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? " ” Yes. It is very important to avoid injury or infections of your affected limb. There are also actions you can take to help prevent more swelling. ‚
To avoid injury: ‚
- Keep your skin clean. Wash with a mild soap every day.
- Be careful with your nails. Dont pick at the skin around your nails or cut your cuticles.
- Use lotion to keep your skin from getting dry and cracked.
- Use an electric razor instead of a manual razor to shave.
- Always use sunscreen when you go outside.
- If an arm is affected, wear gloves when gardening, cooking, or doing other things that could hurt your skin.
- If you do get a small cut, scrape, or bite on your arm, hand, leg, or foot, clean it well with soap and water. Then use an antibiotic cream, such as bacitracin. Call your doctor or nurse if it does not heal quickly or if you have signs of an infection.
- Do not have shots, blood draws, IV lines, or acupuncture in the affected limb.
- If an arm is affected, avoid having your blood pressure taken on that side.
To prevent swelling: ‚
- Wear loose fitting clothes and jewelry, unless it is a special garment or bandage your doctor or nurse gives you.
- Avoid saunas, steam baths, and hot tubs.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Do not let your arm or leg hang at your side for long periods of time without moving it.
- Keep your limb raised on pillows when you 're sitting or lying down.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " ” You should call your doctor or nurse if: ‚
- You have increased swelling
- You have redness or a rash
- The affected limb feels warm to the touch
- You have a fever higher than 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) that is not due to a cold or other illness
How is lymphedema treated? " ” There is no cure for lymphedema. But there are treatments that can help reduce the swelling and make you more comfortable. These treatments work best if you start them early, so see a doctor or nurse as soon as you notice any swelling. It is best to go to clinics that have people who have experience treating lymphedema. ‚
Treatments can include: ‚
- Exercise " “ Exercise can help keep lymphedema from getting worse. During exercise, people with lymphedema should always wear a compression bandage or sleeve (see below).
- Compression bandaging " “ Compression bandaging is a special kind of bandaging that puts gentle, steady pressure on the swollen area. This helps keep the swelling down.
- Compression "sleeves" " “ Compression sleeves work a lot like compression bandaging. They put gentle, steady pressure on the affected limb to keep swelling down.
- Manual lymphatic drainage " “ For this treatment, a physical therapist massages your limb in a special way to help move the fluid that has built up.
Can lymphedema be prevented? " ” Lymphedema cannot always be prevented, but if you treat it early, you might be able to keep it from becoming too severe. ‚
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. ‚
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. ‚
Topic 17203 Version 4.0 ‚
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 ‚
‚ © 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. ‚
figure 1
Lymphatic system in women
This figure shows the organs of the lymphatic system, which include the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. These organs are connected by lymph vessels.
Graphic 86801 Version 1.0
View Originalfigure 1
Lymphatic system in women
This figure shows the organs of the lymphatic system, which include the bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. These organs are connected by lymph vessels.
Graphic 86801 Version 1.0
View Original
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