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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Cheryl Guarna, PT, MPT, CLT
Cancer-Related Lymphedema Early Detection Is Key
Oncology Rehab and Wellness Resources, LLC
. http://oncrehabandwellness.com/

Cancer-Related Lymphedema Early Detection Is Key

The lymphatic system plays a critical role in the maintenance of fluid balance in the body. It absorbs the fluid that normally collects in the tissues throughout the body and returns the fluid back into the circulatory system. Changes in the lymphatic system may cause a “back-up” of fluid in the system, leading to fluid collection in the tissues. This type of fluid collection is called swelling or lymphedema.

Lymphedema occurs in a small number of patients following treatment for cancer. It can be caused when the lymphatic vessels are damaged or cut during surgery or from scarring of the lymphatic channels during healing or radiation therapy.  Lymphedema may occur soon after therapy for cancer treatment or many years later.

While it seems that lymphedema is most commonly related to breast cancer treatment, it is important to know that it can occur in patients following treatment for any cancer. Sometimes swelling of the arms, legs, neck, trunk, or face/head can occur after axillary (arm pit) node dissection and swelling of the legs and abdomen can happen after inguinal (groin) lymph node dissection, surgery or radiation treatment. Lymphedema can also occur in any part of the body after radiation treatment, including the head, face and neck.

Early detection of lymphedema is critical to the most effective treatment and long term management. A certified lymphedema therapist should be seen prior to surgery/radiation in order to complete pre-treatment baseline measures for any extremity that is anticipated to be affected. Therefore, it is imperative to be seen prior to any breast surgery, pelvic surgery, groin surgery, lymph node biopsy/dissection or even radiation treatments.

Early signs of the onset of lymphedema are undetectable without precise measurements and if not detected early, the condition can become life long and more difficult to manage. By having pre-treatment measures, follow up measurements after surgery/treatment can detect even small changes that may indicate the onset of lymphedema.

If you have swelling that is persistent and does not seem to resolve, then seeing a therapist certified in treating lymphedema is crucial. There are effective treatments available.  Treatment involves use of exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, skin care and compression bandages and compression garments as part of the treatment plan to reduce swelling.

Your lymphedema therapist will also teach you/your family ways to manage your lymphedema to best improve your outcomes.  Don’t delay scheduling an evaluation.

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