Take Charge of Your Health - Understanding Lymphedema
Acceptance does not mean resignation.
It means understanding that something is what it is and
that there has got to be a way through it.
- Michael J. Fox
Lymphedema results from an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that would normally be drained through the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of our immune system and vital to immune function that helps fight infection. Made up of channels and glands, the lymphatic system helps remove excess fluid and returns it to the blood.
Fluid called “lymph” circulates in our lymphatic system and provides several important functions. It balances fluid in the blood and tissues and drains excess fluid, provides immunity from detrimental bodies such as bacteria and helps fight infection and disease, and absorbs nutrients from the intestine and transports them to the blood. Lymph fluid is pushed through the lymph vessels by muscle contractions and small pumps in the wall of lymph vessels.
Lymphedema can develop very quickly or slowly over months and while it usually occurs in the arms or legs, it can affect any part of the body. Symptoms of Lymphedema include:
Swelling
A feeling of heaviness or tightness
Restricted range of motion
Joints feel stiff and inflexible
Hardening and thickening of the skin
Infections
A tingling sensation of pins and needles
Severe fatigue
Common causes of lymphedema are:
Cancer: Cancer cells can block lymph vessels. For instance, a tumor can grow near a lymph node or vessel and block the flow of the lymph fluid
Radiation treatment: Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation of lymph nodes or vessels
Inflammatory conditions: Conditions that cause tissue to swell can damage the lymphatic system
Cardiovascular diseases: Some patients with cardiovascular diseases affecting blood flow have a higher risk of developing lymphedema
Injury and trauma: Skin burns or excessive scarring of the skin can increase the risk of developing lymphedema
Parasites: In developing countries (and especially in the tropics), lymphedema can result from parasitic infections
Genetic: Gene mutations can interfere with the development of the lymphatic system
Imaging tests are frequently used to diagnose lymphedema. For instance, dye can be injected to see how it moves through the lymphatic system and can identify any blockages. An MRI scan can provide detailed images of tissue while a CT scan can create precise images of the lymph nodes. Additionally, blood tests can identify proteins in the blood that relate to lymphedema.
While there are no cures for lymphedema, there are effective treatments to reduce swelling, assist with skin wounds and discomfort, and improve quality of life. The goals of lymphedema therapy are to ease discomfort by reducing swelling, to restore function in the affected limbs, and to prevent infection.
Treatments can include exercising and physical therapy to help move lymph fluid, elevation, massage, a skincare routine, compression garments, wrapping/bandaging of muscles to move fluid back into circulation, antibiotics to fight infections, and pain medications. Surgery can also be an option.
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is a combination of noninvasive approaches that many experts consider the gold standard for treating lymphedema. CDT integrates special massage for lymph drainage with exercises, compression, and skin care. The treatments should be given by a certified lymphedema therapist or someone who has received special lymphedema therapy training.
In additional to the physical symptoms, it is also important to consider and address the emotional, social, and mental effects of lymphedema. Talk to your medical provider if you have any questions about living with lymphedema.