Lymphedema is a medical condition that affects the body’s lymph nodes and vessels (the lymphatic system). Lymph vessels transport body fluids to the lymph nodes, where the fluid is cleaned and filtered, then returned to the blood. If this system of lymph vessels and nodes becomes damaged, or if a vessel or node is removed, fluid cannot flow through the system correctly. The fluid overwhelms the damaged lymph vessels and nodes and can accumulate, causing swelling in the affected body part. Lymphedema most commonly affects the arms or legs, and can occur in one limb to all four limbs.
There are two main types of lymphedema: inherited, and acquired:
Inherited Lymphedema:
Also called primary lymphedema, inherited lymphedema develops when a person is born without lymph nodes. This type of lymphedema usually appears in a person’s adolescents and affects the calf and/or foot. When lymphedema forms during infancy, the condition is called Milroy’s disease. This type of inherited lymphedema is quite rare.
Acquired Lymphedema:
Also called secondary lymphedema, this much more common type of lymphedema is brought about an injury to the lymphatic system.
In addition to these two main types of lymphedema, some persons can develop chronic lymphedema. Swollen body parts affected by lymphedema are more susceptible to damage and injury. Almost any ordinary wound on the skin, such as a scrape, cut, or bug bite, can cause the swollen limb to become infected. These infections are severe, and recurring infections causes tissue to become susceptible to even more swelling and infection.
Persons who have experienced or undergone any of the following are at an increased risk for developing acquired lymphedema (secondary lymphedema):
– Treatment for one of the following cancers: breast, ovarian, uterine, colon, prostate, testicular. All of these cancers involve treating or removing lymph nodes or vessels;
– Surgery involving blood vessels;
– Liposuction;
– An infection caused by parasites; more common in tropical areas.
Women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer are at a higher risk for developing lymphedema in the arm or upper body. Men who have undergone treatment for prostate or testicular cancer are at a high risk for developing lymphedema in the lower body and groin. All persons in general who have been treated for cancer are at an increased risk for developing lymphedema.
Symptoms and Severity:
Symptoms resulting from lymphedema usually manifest themselves in obvious ways. The following are all indicators a person may be suffering from lymphedema:
– A swollen limb or area of the body, including fingers and toes;
– A heavy or tight feeling in the arm or leg;
– Restricted motion in the arm or leg;
– Aching in the arm or leg;
– Thick or hard skin over the affected area;
– Discolored skin over the affected area;
– A general feeling of fatigue;
– Skin infections and/or ulcers in serious cases;
– A deformity in the affected area (elephantiasis).
The affected area may also become infected, and persons may experience emotional problems as they deal with their frequently unsightly disorder.
The severity of a case of lymphedema can be gauged with a medical lymphedema scaling system.
– Grade 1: Mild edema;
– Grade 2: Moderate edema;
– Grade 3a: Severe edema;
– Grade 3b: Massive edema;
– Grade 4: Gigantic edema (also known as elephantiasis).
Treating Lymphedema:
Unfortunately, there is no cure for lymphedema. Treatment for lymphedema focuses on minimizing the associated symptoms. When a person is afflicted lymphedema, they should speak to their doctor, who will advise the most beneficial methods of treatment. The following are all methods of treatment a person can pursue:
– Gentle exercise, such as squeezing the muscles, which may help fluid in the affected area dissipate;
– Bandage wrappings applied to the arm or leg promote movement of accumulated fluids away from the affected area;
– Compression stocking or sleeves, worn on the arms or legs, respectively, are another way to promote movement of accumulated fluids away from the affected area, and help reduce swelling;
– A pneumatic compression sleeve is worn on the arm or leg and connected to a pump which inflates the sleeve and puts gentle pressure on the affected limb. These pneumatic compression sleeves help encourage fluid to flow away from fingers and toes, thereby reducing swelling in the limbs.
– A massage designed specifically for those suffering from lymphedema called manual lymph drainage can help dissipate fluid in an affected limb. This massage technique may not be appropriate for everyone with lymphedema.
In instances where lymphedema is deemed severe, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove excessive tissue in the affected area. This procedure reduces the swelling associated with lymphedema, but cannot cure it.
Persons who have been treated for cancer should take special care of the limb or limbs involved, to reduce their risk of developing acquired, or secondary, lymphedema.
For persons suffering from lymphedema, the emotional difficulties may be trying. The pain and swelling associated with lymphedema can make daily activities and tasks difficult. Severe lymphedema can be a tragic circumstance for the person afflicted with it. Onlookers may find the extreme swelling or associated deformities of advanced lymphedema unsightly, even frightening. Persons with lymphedema may find it beneficial to seek counseling from a professional, or to join a support group, both of which can provide helpful care.