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Lymphedema

Lymphedema (or "Lymphoedema", "lymphatic obstruction") is a condition of localized fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The lymphatic system (often referred to as the body's "second" circulatory system) collects and filters the interstitial fluid of the body. Lymphedema has been barely recognized as being a serious health problem; however, this is slowly changing due to education and awareness. Still, doctors and medical staff who practice in fields where this disease is uncommon may fail to correctly diagnose the condition due to the apparent lack of information regarding this disease. more...

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Causes

Lymphedema may be inherited (primary) or caused by injury to the lymphatic vessels (secondary). It was most frequently seen after surgery and radiation therapy, which may cause unintended damage to the lymphatic drainage system. It was especially common after surgery or radiation therapy were used in combination to treat breast cancer. Lymphedema may also be associated with accidents or certain diseases or problems that may inhibit the lymphatic system from proper function. Many cancer patients find this condition may develop after their therapy has concluded. The symptoms of Primary Lymphedema may not become apparent for many years. In the lower extremity it will be unilateral or bilateral.

Lymphedema affects both men and women. In women, it was most prevalent in the upper limbs after breast cancer surgery and lymph node dissection, occuring in the arm on the side of the body in which the surgery is performed, and in the lower limbs or groin after hysterectomy surgery. In men, lower-limb Lymphedema is most common, occuring in one or both legs or occasionally in the groin.

Aircraft flight has been linked to the onset of Secondary Lymphedema in patients who have had post-cancer surgery (likely due to decreased cabin pressure). Some cases of lower-limb Lymphedema have been associated with the use of Tamoxifen, which can also cause blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Symptoms

When the lymphatic impairment becomes so great that the lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic system's ability to transport it, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, reducing the availability of oxygen. This interferes with wound healing and provides a rich culture medium for bacterial growth that can result in lymphangitis (infection).

Symptoms may include severe fatigue, a heavy swollen limb or localized fluid accumulation in other body areas, deformity ("elephantiasis"), discoloration of the skin overlying the Lymphedema, recurrent episodes of cellulitis, and in severe cases, skin ulcers and infections. Each case is different. In certain exceptionally-severe cases, prolonged, untreated Lymphedema can lead to a form of cancer known as Lymphangiosarcoma.

Lymphedema may also result in psychological distress. The normal, daily-living lifestyle can become severely limited.

Lymphedema should not be confused with edema arising from venous insufficiency, which is not Lymphedema. However, untreated venous insufficiency can progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder which is treated the same way as Lymphedema (see Treatment below).

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What your doctor isn't telling you - lymphedema; side effect of cancer treatment - Brief Article
From Vegetarian Times, 10/1/98

One of the lesser-discussed side effects of conventional cancer treatment, such as a mastectomy or radiation, is the condition called lymphedema. This condition, which affects 15 to 20 percent of all women receiving treatment, causes chronic, disfiguring and often painful swelling of the arm or breast.

The lymphatic system, whose main function is to remove toxins from the body by circulating lymph fluid, sometimes spreads cancer. To prevent that from happening, surgeons often remove or debilitate the lymph nodes. But in the process, other vital functions shut down, causing waste products to remain in the lymphatic vessels where they place enormous pressure on the tissues. That pressure can cause limbs to swell UP to three times their normal size and lead to infection.

Unfortunately, many patients cannot take measures to avoid this condition because they are not informed of the risk in advance. "Some doctors say they don't address lymphedema because there isn't a clinically proven method of treatment," says Mitchelle Tanner, assistant director of the National Lymphedema Network in San. Francisco. "In the old days, when women's arms swelled nobody did anything for them. Doctors used to say and are still saying `You're lucky to even be alive.'"

While conventional medicine only offers compression garments (worn' to constrict the arm or breast, and prevent swelling) for easing the symptoms, there are many alternative therapies that can be undertaken prior to cancer treatment. At the Ultimate Health clinics in Black Rock and Asheville, N.C., Peter Glasser, MLDT, LMT specializes in manual lymph drainage (MLD), a massagelike treatment that stimulates circulation and relieves pressure in the tissues. Glasser says he's had great success with the clinics' alternative therapy program, which includes a complete herbal body detoxification regimen, MLD and a variety of individually prescribed supplements. "People have been able to stop wearing compression garments within six months of starting the program. I don't know of anybody else who has had those same results," says Glasser.

To treat or avoid lymphedema, Glasser recommends the following regimen to flush out the body's toxins: drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily; an herbal cleanser taken for two to three months (followed by one month once a year); 100 milligrams (mg.) of grape seed extract to neutralize any free radicals left behind from toxin buildup; digestive enzymes to break down protein and fat; dandelion leaf extract to act as a natural diuretic (follow the low-end of. label dosage instructions); and for general health,, a multi-vitamin/mineral containing significant doses of calcium, magnesium and the B vitamins. (For best results, look for brands designed to be taken in a dosage of six to nine capsules daily.)

When it comes to dealing with lymphedema, it's clear women must be proactive and take matters into their own hands.

RELATED ARTICLE: Treatments for Lymphedema

Exercise Engage in physical activity. It helps to increase circulation of blood and lymph fluid.

Elevation Raise the arm above the heart to allow gravity to keep the lymph fluid moving.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Seek this gentle massage to stimulate circulation and get the fluid out of the lymphatic vessels and into the bloodstream, where it can be disposed of by the body.

Compression Wear garments or bandages after MLD to prevent re-entry of fluid into the lymphatic vessels and swelling in the arm.

Diet Consume foods tow in salt and fat to prevent water retention.

For more information, contact the National Lymphedema Network at (800) 541-3259 or (415) 921-1306 or the Ultimate Health Center Inc. at (800) 268-6905 or (828) 257-9825.