The term edema refers to the accumulation of an excessive amount of fluid in cells, tissues, or organs, and is clinically characterized by swelling. A variety of conditions can produce edema, including chronic venous insufficiency, infection, and trauma. Lymphedema is a progressive condition that occurs when the lymphatic transport system falls below the capacity needed to handle the fluids that normally leak from the blood vessels into the lymph system. The obstruction of lymphatic vessels leads to an accumulation of fluid and subsequent swelling of subcutaneous tissue.

Although lymphedema can develop in any area where the normal flow of lymph fluid has been interrupted, it is most commonly seen in the extremities, and almost always occurs directly under the skin (subcutaneous). Lymphedema can develop in the head or neck region, upper and lower extremities, chest, back, breast, body cavities, pelvic region, and genitals. The severity of lymphedema ranges from mild swelling to severe, massive swelling that can be associated with life-threatening complications.

If lymphedema remains untreated, swelling becomes more severe and the risk of complications rises significantly. Complications of untreated lymphedema may include:

• Recurrent infections, especially cellulitis (skin infection) and/or lymphangitis (infection of the lymphatic vessels)
• Progressive, structural damage to the lymphatic vessels
• Cosmetic body changes
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pain due to pressure on nerves near the swollen limb
• Lymphangiosarcoma - cancer of the lymphatic system

Clinical signs of lymphedema can include:

• Localized swelling of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
• Subcutaneous tissue changes such as fibrosis, scaly, rough, or elevated skin
• Positive "Stemmers" sign - skin between 2nd and 3rd toes or fingers cannot be lifted up
• Reduced joint flexibility
• Increased skin turgor
• Breakdown of the skin leading to leakage of lymph fluid through the skin in advanced lymphedema.

It is important for patients to be full partners in their treatment with their health care providers and to actively participate in all aspects of their own rehabilitation since they need to identify and carry out measures to minimize or prevent serious complications. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is for patients to become highly knowledgeable about lymphedema and the various treatment options. Management of lymphedema is a life-long endeavor and the more familiar patients are with the condition, its treatment, and parameters of risk, the better and more effectively they can control the symptoms.

The treatment of lymphedema is individualized for each patient and depends on numerous factors including the location and severity of the swelling, the presence of any complications, and the overall health status of the patient.

In general, the treatment options for patients with lymphedema include:

• Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy
• Pneumatic pumps
• Drug therapy
• Surgical therapy

Knowledge is Critical when Dealing with a Life-Altering Condition such as Lymphedema

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphedema, it's critical to learn everything you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment. That's why we created the Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema, a comprehensive 160 page patient Guidebook that contains vital information about lymphedema that you won't find anywhere in a single source.

The Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema starts out with a detailed overview of the condition and quickly imparts fundamentally important information about lymphedema, including:

• The underlying causes of lymphedema.
• The risk factors that can increase a person's chances for developing lymphedema.
• The signs and symptoms of lymphedema.
• A detailed overview of lymphedema following breast cancer surgery.

• The secondary complications that may develop as a consequence of lymphedema, including:

  • Recurrent infections
  • Cellulitis
  • Cosmetic and structural alterations
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Lymphoangiosarcoma - a cancer of the lymphatic system

• How lymphedema is diagnosed based on factors such as signs/symptoms, patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies.

• The International Society of Lymphology's classification system that is used by doctors to grade the severity of lymphedema.
• Other underlying medical conditions that may be confused with lymphedema and must be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of lymphedema.

Understanding the Standard Treatments... and the Treatment Options

The primary goals of treatment for patients with lymphedema include:

• Control swelling and other symptoms associated with the condition.
• Promote the flow of lymph and prevent secondary complications.
• Help patients to better cope with the psychological aspects of lymphedema.
• Prevent progression of lymphedema.
• Enable patient's to lead a reasonably good quality of life.

Understanding the standard treatments - and the treatment options - is critical for successfully achieving the goals of treatment for lymphedema. As you read through the section of the Guidebook that focuses on the treatments for lymphedema, you will specifically learn about:

• The role of complete decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in the management of patient's with lymphedema, including strategies such as:

  • Meticulous skin and nail care
  • Manual lymphatic drainage
  • Multi-layer compression bandaging
  • Exercise therapy

• The role of medications in the management of lymphedema, including:

  • Antibiotics
  • Benzopyrones
  • Corticosteroids

• The surgical treatment options that are currently available for the treatment of lymphedema, including:

  • Excisional (debulking) surgery
  • Liposuction
  • Reconstructive microsurgery
  • Derivative microsurgery

• The role of complementary and alternative therapies in the management of lymphedema.

• Recommendations for specific lifestyle modifications that can help people with lymphedema to better control their symptoms.
• The prognosis (outlook) for people with lymphedema and the important factors that have a significant impact in predicting the overall chances of recovery.
• Quality of life issues that often confront people with lymphedema and how to minimize their impact and cope better with these issues.
• Important questions to ask your doctor about lymphedema.

• PRINTED GUIDEBOOK - Soft-cover book that is available for immediate shipping within the United States and its territories:
  
  
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Updated: January 17, 2023
160 Pages