| Lymphedema is the term used to describe the
pooling of fluid in an area where the lymphatic system has been damaged in some way. The
lymphatic system is made up of the tissues and organs that produce, carry, and store cells
that fight infection. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph vessels,
and lymph nodes. Lymph is the almost colorless fluid that bathes body tissues and carries
cells that help fight infection. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs, located along
the lymphatic system. Nodes filter bacteria or cancer cells from lymph. The nodes are also
sometimes called lymph glands."
Many women experience lymphedema after breast cancer
surgery. It occurs most often when the surgery involves removal of lymph nodes. During the
removal of the nodes the channels that carry the lymph are disturbed and the fluid cannot
flow as easily as before.
Lymphedema may occur right after surgery or be delayed
anywhere from 2 to 20 years following surgery.
Symptoms may include swelling of the upper arm, forearm,
and sometimes even the hand and fingers; a twisting feeling in the arm; a swollen area
under the arm; and sometimes a tingling or numbness in the affected part.
Lymphedema is no laughing matter and should not be viewed
as simply an inconvenience.
It can be treated in several ways:
- Elevation of affected area
- Manual lymphatic therapy (MLT)
- Compression therapy (bandaging and pumps)
- Exercise
At the first sign of lymphedema you should alert your
oncologist or primary care physician and ask for guidance in the correct treatment. Every
person suffering from lymphedema should receive a referral to a physical therapist trained
in it's treatment.
Two of the authors have lymphedema and have received a
variety of treatments for it over the years. Please contact them if you wish to ask specific
questions.
Here are some lymphedema web sites which may provide
additional helpful information:
http://www.lymphedematherapy.com
http://www.gretmar.com/webdoctor/lymphedema.html
http://www.trinitylc.com/index.html
http://www.jaxlymph.com/
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/lib_lymphedema.html
http://www.noblemed.com/
http://www.oncolink.upenn.edu/support/lymphedema/
lymph_upper.html
http://www.oncolink.org/support/lymphedema/
http://www.oam-lymphedema.com/
http://www.lymphnet.org/index.shtml
http://www.gift-of-life.com/coping.htm
http://www.acols.com/
http://www.lymphedema-therapy.com
http://www.lymphedemafoundation.org/
http://www.noblemed.com/ldata.htm
http://www.infobreastcancer.cyberus.ca/
http://www.lymphoedema.org.au/index.htm
For additional information go to our links page.
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