Lymphedema is a chronic swelling of a body part caused by a blockage of the lymphatic drainage center ("Lymph" from the lymph system and "edema" from the medical term for swelling). Most lymphedema seen in the U.S. is secondary lymphedema, caused by injury, scarring or excision of lymph nodes and lymph vessels. This may occur as a result of previous radiation and/or surgery of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, pelvis or groin – treatments commonly given for cancers of the breast, uterus, bladder, ovary, prostate or testicle and for malignant melanomas and lymphomas. Occasionally, secondary lymphedemas are caused by trauma to or chronic infections of the lymph system or by morbid obesity. Although chronic and progressive, lymphedema can usually be brought under control by good care and attention to certain basic rules.
Lymph nodes and their tiny counterparts in the body tissues, the lymphatic capillaries, filter foreign particles, especially bacteria, from the lymph fluid. That is why infections cause nearby lymph nodes to appear swollen – they are “cleaning” the lymph fluid of foreign bacteria. There are approximately 600 lymph nodes located all over the body, with high concentrations in the neck, armpit, abdomen, groin and along the breast bone and spine.
Lymphedema is sometimes seen after breast cancer because removal of lymph nodes from the armpit makes it difficult for lymph fluid to drain well through that area and the arm may swell with lymph fluid and water. The swollen tissues may become dense and hard to the touch.
It is not clear why some people develop lymphedema while others do not. Estimates vary widely, but according to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, approximately 12 percent of women who undergo auxiliary lymph node dissection develop severe lymphedema while an additional 16 percent show measurable enlargement of the arm.
Why You Should Receive Treatment for Lymphedema
Even mild lymphedema should be treated as soon as possible for several reasons:
- Untreated edema tends to get worse instead of better
- It can limit range of motion and ability to do daily life tasks
- Swollen arms or legs easily become infected and/or painful
- If left untreated too long, the tissue becomes very hard to the touch and the edema becomes more difficult to treat
- A severely swollen arm is heavy and takes more energy to manage.
- A swollen arm can be cosmetically unappealing.
Treatments for Lymphedema
Trained therapists have successfully treated lymphedema using a combination of frequent manual massage, lymph drainage, compression bandaging, exercise, the sequential action pump and compression garments. Mild lymphedema may not require all these treatments whereas severe lymphedema may.
If you are experiencing swelling in you arm following breast or lymph node surgery, bring it to the attention of your doctor immediately. Check with your insurance company to find the extent of your coverage for therapy treatment for lymphedema after surgery or radiation..