What is the Lymphatic system?

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The lymphatic system is a network of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Its primary function is to transport and filter lymph fluid throughout the body. This fluid contains mostly water and protein.  The lymph nodes act as tiny filters, straining out foreign organisms and cells. The lymphatic system also makes white blood cells called lymphocytes that help protect you against various infections caused by bacteria and viruses.  Lymph is formed from the fluid that seeps through the thin walls of capillaries into the body's tissues.  The lymph capillaries and vessels pick up the lymph fluid and start pumping it away from the cells. Lymph vessels do not have an active pump like the heart. Instead, lymph vessels have one-way valves, and muscle motion pumps the lymph. 

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What causes Lymphedema?

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Lymphedema may occur when regional lymph nodes are damaged or removed due to surgery, radiation, or injury.  It can also arise if there is a congenital deformity within the lymphatic system. The result is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the surrounding tissue. Lymphedema can be manifested in two ways:

• Primary lymphedema is a rare inherited condition in which lymph nodes and vessels are absent or abnormal. It typically affects just the legs and is more common in women than men. This condition can occur at birth, during puberty, or after age 35. It is estimated that one in 6000 people is born with insufficiency of the lymphatic system.

• Secondary lymphedema can be caused by a blockage or cut in the lymphatic system, usually the lymph nodes in the groin area or the armpit. Blockages may be caused by infection, cancer, scar tissue from radiation therapy, or the surgical removal of lymph nodes. Surgeries for the treatment of breast, uterine/cervical, melanoma, prostate, and throat/mouth cancers may lead to the incidence of lymphedema.

• Having lymph nodes removed or damaged with radiation due to cancer is the most common cause of lymphedema in the United States and other developed countries. The most common types of cancer associated with lymphedema are breast (arm lymphedema), gynecological cancers including cervical, uterine, ovarian, vulvar (leg lymphedema), prostate, and other urological cancers (leg lymphedema), melanoma (arm or leg lymphedema) and other skin cancers. Radiation damages the small lymphatic vessels and can lead to lymphedema, where the lymph nodes have been removed.

• Trauma or surgery: Both trauma and surgery can injure lymph vessels and lead to lymphedema.

• Obesity: Extreme obesity can cause lymphedema. However, several studies have shown that any degree of obesity increases the risk of lymphedema in cancer survivors.

• Parasites in underdeveloped countries: A parasitic worm, filaria, can cause lymphedema in infected patients. This is the most common cause of lymphedema in the world.

 

What are the symptoms of Lymphedema?

 

• Swelling or puffiness, usually in the legs or arms, can be seen in the genitalia, trunk, and face.

• Indentation or pitting of skin that stays longer than usual; for example, after removing socks or rings

• The feeling of fullness, heaviness, tightness, or pressure

• Tingling sensation or numbness

• Pain or discomfort

• Difficulty moving your joints due to swelling.

• Feeling warmer

• Hard, abnormally dry, textured, or scaly skin

• Recurrent infections or skin rashes

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How is Lymphedema Diagnosed?

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Many medical professionals can diagnose lymphedema, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, certified lymphedema therapists, or physical therapists. Unfortunately, lymphedema frequently gets overlooked. It is essential to talk to your doctor when you have any symptoms, especially if you have recently had cancer surgery or radiation, traveled to an area where filariasis parasites are expected or have a family history of lymphedema.

 

What do you do for Lymphedema?

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There are three main treatments for lymphedema: compression therapy, self-manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and skin care.

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At Edema Therapy Solutions, we realize that not all patients can bandage or have previously had difficulties with it.  We due to other techniques and therapies available to help. We also offer flexible schedules for those who cannot come in every day. 

When sufficient decongestion is obtained, the maintenance phase of therapy begins. The patient is fitted for a custom compression garment, worn daily, and compression bandages are worn nightly. This process is necessary to ensure continued decongestion and reduce the risk of developing severe cellulitis infections. Again, depending on the patient’s condition, the extent of compression will vary. Some patients will always need to wear a form of reduction, while others require it less often.

 

Please note that CDP is not a cure for lymphedema. Exercise, compression garments, and physical therapy can help control the symptoms and prevent lymphedema from worsening. Although they do not cure the disease, they are often helpful in managing it.  However, it is a treatment method that may decrease swelling, pain, discomfort, and the risk of severe infection while increasing the patient’s mobility. Therapy is highly effective in obtaining these goals, but lymphedema is a lifelong condition requiring a continued maintenance commitment.