A Simple Guide To Lymphedema (Lymph Obstruction), Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Lymphedema

Lymphedema of the upper arm is very common after a mastectomy for breast cancer that can be heavy and uncomfortable for the patient especially when it occurs on their predominant arm.

It would also appear unsightly.
Lifting of the arm is also difficult.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a chronic medical condition that produces excessive collection of fluid in the leg, trunk or body part, due to abnormalities of the normal lymph flow.

The abnormal lymph flow is mainly due to the excision of the lymph nodes during surgery for cancer and radiotherapy for cancer treatment.

If the patient has gone through radiotherapy or surgical excision of lymph nodes, the patient may be at danger of forming lymphedema.

It may be useful to find out from the doctor which lymph nodes have been excised during the surgery and which lymphatic vessels of the body have been treated by radiotherapy.

Lymphedema is a chronic (long-term) condition that induces swelling in the body’s tissues.

It can involve any part of the body, but normally forms in the arms or legs.

Other symptoms of lymphedema can be an aching, heavy feeling in affected body parts and difficulty moving them.

Lymphedema can become worse if it is not treated, so the patient should speak to a doctor if the patient thinks the patient may have the condition.

Lymphedema is the result of collection of lymphatic fluids in the body.

It can induce an arm, leg, or other area of the body to swell and become painful.

The disorder is normally lifetime.

The patient can decrease this danger with these precautions and advice:

1. The skin should be kept clean, supple and moisturized.

2. Affected areas should be dried and washed thoroughly.
The patient may require a hair dryer for to dry certain areas like the skin folds and between toes

3. The underclothes should be regularly washed.

4. Any injuries to the leg should be avoided, such as cuts, insect bites, bruises, and knocks.

5. Sunburn should be avoided by using protective clothing and a sunscreen (SPF 15 or more).

6. Exposure to extreme heat should be avoided (such as use of heat packs applied locally, sauna, steam rooms, hot and humid weather.

7. The leg must not be used for injection or acupuncture, drips or having blood samples taken.

8. Removal of hair from the leg should only be done using a well-maintained electric razor.

9. Blade razors, creams and waxing increase the danger of cuts and redness of the skin.

10. If travelling by air, a compression garment must be used.
This also applies to long bus, train and car journeys.

11. Tight clothing should be avoided.
No redness or indentation should be visible on removal of clothing.

12. Constrictive jewelry should be avoided.
No redness or indentation should be visible on removal of jewelry.

13. Prolonged standing and high heels should be avoided.
When the patient has to stand, walk in short bursts to increase lymph flow.

14. Muscle fatigue during exercise and vigorous massage should be avoided.

What are the causes of Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is caused by an obstruction with the lymphatic system.

This is a network of vessels and glands distributed throughout the body.

Its major functions are to fight infection and drain excess fluid from tissues.

Abnormal formation of the lymphatic system, damage to it, and a rise in fluid in the body tissues can all result in lymphedema.

There are two main types of lymphedema:

1. Primary lymphedema – caused by faulty genes affecting the development of the lymphatic system; it can form at any age, but normally happens in early adulthood

2. Secondary lymphedema – caused by damage to the lymphatic system or obstruction with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system, often due to an infection

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Lymphedema
Chapter 2 Causes
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosi