Lymphedema and Cancer Treatment

Lymphedema and Cancer Treatment
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymph fluid does not drain properly.  It may build up in the tissues and cause swelling.  It can happen when part of the lymph system is damaged or blocked, such as during surgery to remove lymph nodes or radiation therapy.  Cancers that block lymph vessels can also cause lymphedema.

Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg but can also affect other body parts, such as the head and neck.  You may notice symptoms of lymphedema in the area of your body where you had surgery or received radiation therapy.  Swelling develops slowly over time, could develop during treatment, or may start years after treatment.
At first, lymphedema in an arm or leg may cause symptoms such as:

• A dent when you press on the swollen area
• Swelling and a heavy or achy feeling in your arms or legs that may spread to your fingers and toes
• Swelling that is soft to the touch and is usually not painful at first

Lymphedema that is not controlled may cause:

• Hair loss
• Itchy, red, warm skin and sometimes a rash
• More swelling, weakness, and difficulty moving your arm or leg
• Thickening or hardening of the skin
• Tight feeling in the skin; pressing on the swollen area does not leave a dent
• Wounds that don’t heal, and an increased risk of skin infections that may cause pain, redness, and swelling

Lymphedema in the head or neck may cause:

• Difficulty moving your head or neck
• Swelling and a tight, uncomfortable feeling on your face, neck, or under your chin

Tell your health care provider as soon as you notice symptoms.  Early treatment may prevent or reduce the severity of problems caused by lymphedema.
 
Ways To Manage Lymphedema
Steps you can be advised to take to prevent or to keep lymphedema from getting worse:
Protect your skin - use lotion to avoid dry skin.  Use sunscreen.  Wear plastic gloves with cotton lining to prevent scratches, cuts, or burns.  Keep your feet clean and dry.  Keep your nails clean and short to prevent ingrown nails and infection.  Avoid tight shoes and tight jewelry.
Exercise - keep body fluids moving, especially in places where lymphedema has developed.  Start with gentle exercises that help you to move and contract your muscles.  Ask your doctor or nurse what exercises are best for you.
Manual lymph drainage - see a certified lymphedema therapist for a therapeutic massage called manual lymph drainage.  Therapeutic massage works best to lower lymphedema when given early before symptoms progress.
 
Ways To Treat Lymphedema
Your doctor or nurse may advise you to take these and other steps to treat lymphedema:
Wear compression garments or bandages - such as sleeves, stockings, bras, compression shorts, gloves, and face or neck compression wear.  Some garments are designed to be worn during the day, while others are meant to be worn at night.
Other practices - your health care provider may advise you to use compression devices (pumps that apply pressure periodically) or have laser therapy or other treatments.
 
Talking With Your Health Care Provider About Lymphedema
Prepare for your visit by making a list of questions to ask.  Consider adding these questions to your list:

• What can I do to prevent these problems?
• What symptoms should I call you about?
• What steps can I take to feel better?
• Would you recommend that I see a certified lymphedema therapist?
• If lymphedema advances, what special garments should I wear during the day?  During the night?