If you have had radiation treatments, surgical removal of some lymph nodes, or an infection or trauma to your lymphatic ducts or veins, you need to know how to reduce your risk of lymphedema . Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissue that causes swelling. (Lymphatic fluid is a clear fluid carried through the lymph system in the body to lymph nodes, which filter out bacteria and other debris). If left untreated, lymphedema can interfere with the healing of wounds and cause an infection called lymphangitis.
There are two types of lymphedema—primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired. Secondary lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are damaged as a result of radiation, infection, trauma, or surgical removal.
Secondary lymphedema occurs most often in the arms and legs, and sometimes in other parts of the body. It may occur immediately after surgery, or weeks, months, even years later. Symptoms to watch for include:
If you notice persistent swelling, seek medical care right away.
You may be at increased risk for lymphedema if you have:
If you are at risk for lymphedema, you may be able to prevent its occurrence with the following tips from the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania:
If you had lymph nodes in your armpit removed during breast cancer surgery, participating in a physical therapy program may help to prevent lymphedema.
When Your Arm Is Affected
When Your Leg Is Affected
If you have had surgery and radiation therapy to the lymph node region, be sure to talk to your doctor about additional ways to reduce your risk of lymphedema.
RESOURCES:
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/
National Lymphedema Network
http://www.lymphnet.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Lymphedema Association of Quebec
http://www.infolympho.ca/
Lymphovenous Canada
http://www.lymphovenous-canada.ca/
References:
Abramson Cancer Center. University of Pennsylvania website. Available at: http://penncancer.org/. Accessed May 5, 2009.
Lymphedema. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/patient. Accessed May 5, 2009.
1/22/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Torres Lacomba M, Yuste Sánchez MJ, Zapico Goñi A, et al. Effectiveness of early physiotherapy to prevent lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer: randomised, single blinded, clinical trial. BMJ. 2010;340:b5396.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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