Cancer treatment can lead to an increase for the risk of lymphedema. Knowing the risk factors of lymphedema can help head off potential issues and HPFY can help.
Stages of Lymphedema | |
Latency Stage | Transport Capacity is reduced No visible edema Subjective complaints of heaviness, achiness |
Stage 1 Reversible lymphedema |
Accumulation of protein-rich edema Pitting Reduces w/elevation (no fibrosis) |
Stage 2 Spontaneously Irreversible Lymphedema |
Accumulation of protein-rich edema Pitting becomes progressively difficult Fibrosis |
Stage 3 Lymphostatic Elephantiasis |
Accumulation of protein-rich edema Fibrosis, sclerosis, skin changes, papillomas, hyperkeratosis |
Some treatments for cancer can have negative side effects and the risk of lymphedema is definitely one of them. Damage to the lymphatic system during treatment for cancer can lead to swelling in different parts of the body. To fully combat this means fully understanding the risk factors of lymphedema and finding medical aids to combat the effects of lymphedema since there is no cure. These risk factors can include lymph node removal, radiation therapy, multiple chest surgery, and obesity according to breastcancer.org.
For those that have undergone treatment for cancer, usually the treatment does not cause injury to the patient, but rarely (less than 200,000 cases per year) injury to the lymphatic system can cause lymphedema. It is commonly caused by lymph node dissection or radiation treatment from cancer, predominantly breast cancer, but can also be linked to genetic disorders. This can cause swelling in the arms or legs due to localized fluid retention and tissue swelling that can be a lifelong issue. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this malady, but there are treatments to ease the effects of lymphedema. Many patients who suffer from cancer may not even develop the symptoms of lymphedema until months or years after treatment and the swelling can be mild to severe. The symptoms can include:
The symptoms can lead to a diagnosis of lymphedema which needs to be verified by a lab test or through imaging. The risk of lymphedema after a mastectomy increases as more of the lymph nodes are removed. You should ask your doctor if any treatment (radiation) or surgery for cancer involves your lymph nodes since this increases your risk of developing lymphedema.
Once you’re symptoms of lymphedema have been diagnosed, what is the best way to combat this disorder? Your doctor may recommend seeing an occupational therapist that is specially trained to treat lymphedema. Other options for dealing with lymphedema include:
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BSN Jobst Medicalwear 15-20 mmHg Compression Armsleeve |
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Norco Therapeutic Compression Glove - Tipless Finger Over Wrist Length |
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Huntleigh Hydroven Flowtron FPR Sequential Lymphedema Pump |
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JoViPak Serratus Anterior Lymphedema Pad |
The risk factors of lymphedema are well-known. Understanding the symptoms can help you bring this malady to your doctor’s attention in order to quickly combat the issue. The use of specially designed medical aids can help you tackle this problem and improve your quality of life as you recover from the causes of lymphedema such as cancer treatments.
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