Lymphatic Therapy Services, Inc. 3560 South Jones Blvd. Las Vegas, NV, 89103

 

About Lymphedema

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can occur any time there is damage to the lymph nodes or vessels and is identified swelling of a body part, most often an extremity, caused by the abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid. It occurs most frequently in the arms and legs, but can also occur in the face, neck back and abdomen. Lymphedema is different from acute swelling in that in most cases it has been present for 3 months or longer and elevation is not effective.

Although it is a chronic and progressive condition, in most cases it can be brought under control and successfully managed by appropriate diagnosis and treatment, together with care and attention to certain basic rules. Lymphedema is compatible with a normal and active lifestyle.

Factors that can contribute to lymphedema are surgery and/or radiation therapy, surgery and post operative infection, obesity, infections (athletes foot, insect bites), a sedentary lifestyle, constricting clothing or jewelry, a dependent limb position, recurrent tumors, a heavy breast prosthesis, and trauma to the remaining lymphatics.

If left untreated, there are serious consequences which can impact the patient - uncontrolled swelling of a limb or body part which worsens over time, heaviness and limitation of motion in the affected limb, repeated infections, skin thickening, lymph leaking through the skin, development of ulcers, cosmetic problems, inability to find clothing or shoes that fit properly, social isolation, an altered lifestyle and constant medical care and expense.

Although many physicians think of lymphedema as a rare condition, it is fairly common, affecting roughly one percent of the population in the United States. Treatment problems encountered by most individuals include:

• difficulty in obtaining a timely and correct diagnosis;
  
• difficulty in receiving appropriate treatment;
  
• diuretics are often prescribed but do not help;
  
• there are no surgical procedures that have been found to be successful in the long term;
  
• elevation, pneumatic compression devices and compression garments alone are typically ineffective and any results are often short-lived.

 

• The Lymph System
• Factors That Contribute to Lymphedema
• Primary Lymphedema
• Secondary Lymphedema
• The Impact of Lymphedema On The Patient