Lymphedema

1. Lymphedema By: AngelicqueErnandez October 12th, 2010

2. What Happens ? • An abnormal buildup of fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs.

3. What are the signs and symptoms ? • Swelling in the arms, hands, fingers, shoulders, chest, or legs. • Heavy sensation in the arms or legs. • Skin tightness. • Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist, or ankle. • Difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area. • Tight-fitting bracelet, watch, or ring that wasn’t tight before.

4. Who Gets It ? • People who have: • Simple mastectomy and axillary (arm pit) lymph node removal. • Lumpectomy and axillary lymph node removal. • Modified radical mastectomy and axillary lymph node removal. • Combined cancer surgery and radiation therapy to a lymph node region (such as the neck, armpit, groin, pelvis or abdomen). • Radiation therapy to a lymph node region.

5. Are There Ways to Prevent it ? • Reduce foods high in salt or fat. • Exercise regularly. • Avoid infections. • Avoid heavy lifting with affected arm. • Stay alert for signs of infection. • Keep your skin meticulously clean. • Take precautions during visits to your doctor. • Inform your doctor of any symptoms.

6. How is it Diagnosed ? • Lymphedema is diagnosed after a careful evaluation of your medical history • Including: • Past surgeries and treatments • An evaluation of current medications and symptoms • A complete physical examination • Sometimes additional tests may be needed.

7. How is it Treated ? • Lymphedema treatments vary, depending on the stage and cause of the illness. The most important aspect of treatment is learning how to care for your health. Your doctor or nurse will teach you and your family how to follow your prescribed treatment. • If the initial signs and symptoms of swelling are caused by infection, antibiotics you should use antibiotics. Other treatments are: • Bandaging • Proper skin care and diet • Compression garments • Exercises • Manual lymphatic drainage(a gentle form of skin stretching/massage)

8. What is the Prognosis ? • It isn't always easy to predict whether lymphedema will last. Most of the time, treatments can improve lymphedema symptoms.

9. Works Cited  • http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/health_a-z_detail.asp?AZ=293&Page=8 • http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_cancer_and_lymphedema/article.htm • Pictures came from • http://www.elymphnotes.org/images/pho_dorton_jeff_lymphedema_stage3_fs.jpg • http://img.medscape.com/fullsize/migrated/430/902/w430902.fig2a.jpg • http://www.inhomelymphaticcare.com/custom/1183937405_LymphedemaLeg.jpg • http://www.healthgiants.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/lymphedema11.jpg • http://www.vickiborken.com/vicki_leg2.jpg • http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dw9ZXheZX_g/SSK6sbHKr0I/AAAAAAAAAI8/U_NC9T1Pwhs/s320/leglymphB.bmp • http://www.omnitherapycenters.com/images/Lymphedema-hand.jpg • http://dermimages.med.jhmi.edu/images/lymphedema_1_060802.jpg • http://img.medscape.com/pi/emed/ckb/pediatrics_genetics/941088-1422862-947504-1722611.jpg

10. Questions.. • What are 3 signs or symptoms of lymphedema? • List 3 ways to prevent lymphedema. • List 3 treatments for lymphedema.

11. Answers.. • 1. Swelling in the arms, hands, fingers, shoulders, chest, or legs ; Heavy sensation in the arms or legs ; Skin tightness ; Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist, or ankle ; Difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area ; Tight-fitting bracelet, watch, or ring that wasn’t tight before. • 2. Reduce foods high in salt or fat ; Exercise regularly ;Avoid infections; Avoid heavy lifting with affected arm ;Stay alert for signs of infection; Keep your skin meticulously clean ; Take precautions during visits to your doctor ; Inform your doctor of any symptoms. • 3. bandaging ; exercises ; proper skin care and diet ; Manual lymphatic drainage(a gentle form of skin stretching/massage) ; compression garmets.