Lymphedema is abnormal swelling that develops when the lymphatic system is damaged or overwhelmed and can’t clear lymph fluid fast enough, causing it to build up.
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Types of Lymphoedema and Causes:
1. Primary Lymphoedema. Primary lymphoedema occurs in women more often than men. Instead of being caused by an external injury or disease, primary Lymphedema is the result of intrinsic, congenital malformations of the lymphatic system itself. The underlying causes are:
1. Genetic: The root cause is almost always a genetic mutation, either inherited from a parent or occurring spontaneously (de novo).
2. Structural: These genetic errors lead to malformed lymphatic vessels (hypoplastic, hyperplastic, or aplastic) or faulty valves.
3. Precipitated by Stressors: The compromised system functions until a "second hit" occurs, such as:
- Hormonal Changes (Puberty, Pregnancy)
- Trauma or Injury
- Cellulitis (infection)
- Rapid Growth or Weight Gain, Lipedema.
2. Secondary Lymphoedema. Secondary lymphoedema can occur following surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer; breast, throat, uterus, skin or others.
Secondary lymphoedema can also occur as a result of the:
• Post-operative (e.g. after plastic or venous surgery).
• Post-traumatic (e.g. trauma which leads to injury of large lymph collectors such as open fractures, burns, wounds).
• Post-inflammatory (e.g. rheumatic diseases).
• Post-infection (e.g. recurrent cellulitis, inflammation of the lymph vessels, inflammation of lymph nodes).
5 QUESTIONS EVERY BREAST CANCER PATIENT SHOULD ASK TO HELP PREVENT LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema is a common, often overlooked side effect of breast cancer treatment. Up to 1 in 5 women may develop it after surgery or radiation. The good news: asking the right questions early can lower your risk and help protect your long-term health.
Reducing the Risk of Lymphedema and Flare-Ups
The ideal time to reduce lymphedema risk is before cancer surgery. But if lymphedema develops, it’s possible to keep flare-ups from getting worse. Reducing lymphedema risk before and after surgery:
The ideal time to reduce lymphedema risk is before cancer surgery. But if lymphedema develops, it’s possible to keep flare-ups from getting worse. Reducing lymphedema risk before and after surgery:
MANAGEMENT OF LYMPHEDEMA. COMBINED DECONGESTIVE THERAPY (International Society of Lymphology)
1. Manual Lymph Drainage – Patients receive Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) to remove excess fluid and protein from the tissues. The MLD is performed to open lymphatics in the unaffected regions so these can help to drain the affected area. MLD stimulates lymphangions to increase their activity, which results in a decompression and emptying of obstructed lymphatic channels.
2. DEEP OSCILLATION® Therapy. It is a non-invasive treatment method that uses electrostatic impulses to create gentle, relaxing vibrations that penetrate deep into the tissue, potentially aiding in the management of lymphoedema. Deep Oscillation can reduce swelling, improve lymphatic drainage, and address fibrosis, which are common issues in lymphoedema.
3. Compression Garments/Bandaging/CDT – Multi-layered bandaging of the affected limb follows each MLD session. This is a precise and accurate procedure using specific bandages and interfacing materials.The bandages are applied exactly to conform to the patient’s tissues and are reapplied on a daily basis. They are short-stretch bandages that resist muscle contraction and are applied with comfortable padding underneath. The bandages help to maintain the reductions achieved with MLD and may even cause further reduction.
4. Physical Activities – Effective lymph flow depends on sufficient muscle and joint activity, especially if the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised. Decongestive exercises are most effective if performed while the patient wears compression garments or bandages, which are also essential components in lymphedema management.
5. Skin Care and Hygiene – Good skin care plays an essential part in the treatment of lymphoedema. Daily skin cleansing with antibacterial washes and neutral balanced pH lotions will help to eliminate possible bacterial and fungal growth and so minimise the possibility of repeated attacks of cellulitis or lymphangitis.
6. Breathing practices – The thoracic duct, responsible for transporting roughly four litres of lymph each day, relies primarily on the mechanism of breathing for propulsion. Therefore, the practice of diaphragmatic breathing is not just beneficial but essential for enhancing the transport of lymphatic fluids
1. Manual Lymph Drainage – Patients receive Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) to remove excess fluid and protein from the tissues. The MLD is performed to open lymphatics in the unaffected regions so these can help to drain the affected area. MLD stimulates lymphangions to increase their activity, which results in a decompression and emptying of obstructed lymphatic channels.
2. DEEP OSCILLATION® Therapy. It is a non-invasive treatment method that uses electrostatic impulses to create gentle, relaxing vibrations that penetrate deep into the tissue, potentially aiding in the management of lymphoedema. Deep Oscillation can reduce swelling, improve lymphatic drainage, and address fibrosis, which are common issues in lymphoedema.
3. Compression Garments/Bandaging/CDT – Multi-layered bandaging of the affected limb follows each MLD session. This is a precise and accurate procedure using specific bandages and interfacing materials.The bandages are applied exactly to conform to the patient’s tissues and are reapplied on a daily basis. They are short-stretch bandages that resist muscle contraction and are applied with comfortable padding underneath. The bandages help to maintain the reductions achieved with MLD and may even cause further reduction.
4. Physical Activities – Effective lymph flow depends on sufficient muscle and joint activity, especially if the functionality of the lymphatic system is compromised. Decongestive exercises are most effective if performed while the patient wears compression garments or bandages, which are also essential components in lymphedema management.
5. Skin Care and Hygiene – Good skin care plays an essential part in the treatment of lymphoedema. Daily skin cleansing with antibacterial washes and neutral balanced pH lotions will help to eliminate possible bacterial and fungal growth and so minimise the possibility of repeated attacks of cellulitis or lymphangitis.
6. Breathing practices – The thoracic duct, responsible for transporting roughly four litres of lymph each day, relies primarily on the mechanism of breathing for propulsion. Therefore, the practice of diaphragmatic breathing is not just beneficial but essential for enhancing the transport of lymphatic fluids
