Published in January 26th, 2012
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Lymphedema is a form of swelling that is due to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in tissues, usually in the arms and legs. It is usually caused by damage in the lymphatic vessels, or when lymph nodes have been removed.
Impaired lymphatic vessels cause an overflow of fluid in the lymphatic transport system. This leads to an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in tissues of the affected body part. The stagnant fluid causes an increase in size in the affected tissue channels. It hinders the healing of wounds, and may become a medium for bacterial growth that results in infection.
Lymphedema is not the same as the swelling attributed to venous insufficiency, although the latter can deteriorate into a form of lymphatic disorder very similar to lymphedema.
Primary lymphedema, that is, lymphedema due to impaired lymphatic vessels, has been linked with blood vessel problems such as hemangioma and lymphangioma. It can manifest at birth, at puberty, or in adulthood. Its exact cause is unknown.
On the other hand, secondary lymphedema, that is, lymphedema due to damaged lymph vessels or missing lymph nodes, may be caused by cancer surgery of body parts that necessitate the removal of lymph nodes. These include melanoma, cancer of the breast, prostate, bladder, colon, head and neck. Anytime a lymph node is removed, it can cause lymphedema. It may manifest right after an operation, or maybe weeks, months, or years later.
Lymphedema may also develop as a side effect of radiation therapy among cancer patients. Radiation can damage the lymph nodes and create scar tissue that hinders the flow of lymphatic fluid.
Symptoms of this condition include a sensation of fullness in the limb, stretched feeling of the skin, reduced flexibility of the hand, wrist or ankle, tightening of rings or bracelets, and difficulty of fitting clothes in the affected body part.
There are three stages in the development of lymphedema. The first one is the spontaneously reversible stage, where indentations are held when fingers press on the swelling. The second stage is the spontaneously irreversible stage, where the tissue bounces back and does not indent when pressed by the fingers. The last stage is the irreversible stage, where the limbs become very enlarged, and the tissue becomes hard and no longer responds to pressure. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to immobility of the limbs, deterioration of the skin, and chronic infections. Severe cases have been reported to have developed into lymphangiosarcoma, a rare type of lymphatic cancer.
The type of treatment used on this condition would depend on the particular cause. If it were caused by an infection, then antibiotics are given. For other causes, the Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is followed. This consists of manually draining the lymph, bandaging, diet and care of the skin, wearing of compression clothing such as stockings, exercises, and prophylactic methods.
CDT is usually not prescribed to patients that have metastatic or recurrent cancer, as this may augment the spread of the cancer. It needs to be discontinued immediately if the patient develops lymph infection or lymphangitis. Blood vessel diseases must be categorically ruled out before the administration of CDT.
Aline Heller writes on medical conditions. To learn more about diseases of the lymphatic system, go to How to Heal Your Lymphatic System. Another resource is Take Control of Your Health and Escape the Sickness Industry.
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