What is Lymphoedema?
You may know it as the problem that causes your feet to swell so you cannot wear regular shoes. Maybe you had breast cancer surgery, and your arm is now swollen out of proportion. It is upsetting and, if not managed, it can keep you from living life fully.
Though there isn’t a cure for lymphoedema, it can be managed effectively with Lympha Press.
What causes swelling?
The lymphatic system is one of the human body’s drainage systems. The lymph system moves fluids and filters out debris. In fact, when your body is functioning normally, 90% of the water found in your blood is filtered through a healthy lymphatic system.
However, when lymph nodes or lymph vessels are damaged, fluid cannot move at the rate it is produced.
As fluid builds up, the affected area swells dramatically.
This buildup of fluid can cause skin changes such as hardening or “fibrosis“. The trapped fluid is a breeding ground for bacteria that can enter through cuts in the skin, creating an increased risk for infections like cellulitis.
Whether an extreme case or just an extreme nuisance, lymphoedema is progressive and can cause additional problems if left untreated.
Up to 250 million people worldwide are estimated to live with lymphoedema and related lymphatic disorders, according to recent global health studies.
There are two types of lymphoedema: primary and secondary.
Primary (hereditary) lymphoedema
Primary (hereditary) lymphoedema is caused by a congenital abnormality. It is diagnosed when a body’s lymphatic system has broken down over time or did not form correctly in utero. Specific causes of primary lymphoedema include:
Secondary (acquired) lymphoedema
Secondary (acquired) lymphoedema occurs when there is damage to or impairment of the lymphatic system. It is more common than primary lymphoedema and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Though the causes of lymphoedema can vary, compression therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat this condition because it reduces swelling and promotes circulation of the lymphatic fluid.
Stages of Lymphoedema
What is Fibrosis?
Fibrosis feels like hard, thick tissue. The underlying factor? Insufficient movement of lymphatic fluid.
Lympha Press can help. Our therapy increases lymph fluid uptake and flow in lymphedema-affected limbs, including in patients with fibrotic changes.*
Because Lympha Press has an adjustable range of pressures, your doctor can select a protocol featuring higher pressures necessary to treat fibrotic tissue. By treating fibrosis in the initial stages of development, progression can be slowed and potentially stopped.
Compression remodels fibrotic tissue, makes it softer, and ultimately improves circulation.**
* J lnnov Opt Health Sci. 2017 Mar;10(2). pii: 1650049. doi: 10.1142/ S1793545816500498. Epub 2016 Sep 28. Effect of pneumatic compression therapy on lymph movement in lymphedema-affected extremities, as assessed by near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging. Aldrich MB1, Gross D2, Morrow JR1, Fife CE3, Rasmussen JC1.
** Textbook of Lymphology: for Physicians and Lymphedema Therapists, 3e 3rd Edition, by Michael Foldi (Editor), Ethel Foldi (Editor), Cornelia Striiflenreuther (Editor), Stefan Kubik (Editor).
Post-Mastectomy Lymphoedema
Overall, 80% to 90% of women who will develop lymphoedema do so within 3 years of breast cancer treatment.1
As part of their surgery, many people with breast cancer have at least two or three lymph nodes removed from under the arm (sentinel lymph node biopsy), and sometimes many more nodes (axillary lymph node dissection). If the cancer has spread, it has most likely moved into the underarm lymph nodes first because they drain fluid from the breast. Many people also need radiation therapy to the chest area and/or underarm. Surgery and radiation can cut off or damage some of the nodes and vessels that fluid moves through. Over time, this can overwhelm the remaining pathways, resulting in a backup of fluid into the body’s tissues. 2
1 .Norman SA, Localio AR, Potashnik SL, et al. Lymphoedema in breast cancer survivors: incidence, degree, time course, treatment, and symptoms. J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:390-7.
Be encouraged by what medical professionals and patients have to say about their Lympha Press post-mastectomy therapy.
Lympha Press offers effective treatment for post-mastectomy lymphoedema patients.
Because the axilla (underarm) is often compromised after breast cancer surgery, Lympha Press’ patented garments target this important area. This promotes lymphatic flow, moving fluid from the ends of the limb toward the torso.
Tips for Patients with Lymphoedema
Tip #1 Follow your prescribed home treatment program! Make Lympha Press therapy a relaxing part of your daily routine.
Tip #2 If you have been prescribed compression stockings or garments, be sure to wear them according to your medical practitioner’s instructions.
Tip #3 Maintain a healthy body weight and follow your medical practitioner’s recommendations on exercises that are helpful at controlling swelling.
Tip #4 Take good care of your skin and recognise signs of infection. Avoid cuts and irritations. Keep your skin clean and use a moisturiser regularly. People with lymphedema are prone to infections (cellulitis). Know the signs and symptoms of infection and notify your medical practitioner if any of these appear.
Tip #5 Avoid wearing tight jewellery or clothing on your affected limb, which could restrict circulation and cause swelling.
Tip #6 If you have upper extremity lymphoedema, use a rolling suitcase instead of carrying shoulder bags when travelling.
Tip #7 Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Tip #8 Have regular checkups with your medical professional. Report any changes in your lymphoedema (increase or decrease in swelling, changes in sensation, skin colour or condition).