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Lymphoedema
Who is at high risk of developing Lymphoedema?
Those people with reduced lymph capacity. This will include those who have had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or trauma to any part of the body that has/may have impacted on lymph vessels (a web-like network throughout the entire body) or the major lymph filtering areas of the body – neck, underarm (axilla), abdomen, groin, back of knees.
Those people with reduced lymph capacity. This will include those who have had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or trauma to any part of the body that has/may have impacted on lymph vessels (a web-like network throughout the entire body) or the major lymph filtering areas of the body – neck, underarm (axilla), abdomen, groin, back of knees.
Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. This is equally true for those patients with lymphoedema as well as those who may be “at risk” of developing lymphoedema. Secondary lymphoedema can be prevented or avoided for many years after an operation or radiotherapy (ie after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, after pelvic operations for cancer or in general after any form of surgery or radiotherapy to a group of lymph nodes.)
Patients should be carefully educated at the time of the operation/radiotherapy and made to realise that they have a limb(s) “at high risk” which must be carefully looked after. Unfortunately, this can often be brushed over or played down – presumably to avoid worrying a patient further; those with lymphoedema often wish they had been worried a little more! Post-operative and post-radiotherapy patients should be carefully educated immediately – including proper exercises.
Patients who have been treated very successfully so they no longer have to wear a compression sleeve/stocking, are still in the “at risk” category and must follow some simple lifestyle guidelines if they are to remain symptom free. Patients who are well informed and careful in managing their lymphatic deficiencies can have their limbs reduce greatly and live normal or almost normal lives. Those who are careless or inattentive about caring for themselves, seem to have trouble all their lives. Essentially it is up to the patient, but they can only do their part if carefully taught.
Please do not hesitate to contact our lymphoedema practitioner if you would like to know more. We can guide you through treatment options, help you to better understand your condition or how to support your lymphatic system with simple lifestyle changes.
Prevention is always better than cure. This is equally true for those patients with lymphoedema as well as those who may be “at risk” of developing lymphoedema. Secondary lymphoedema can be prevented or avoided for many years after an operation or radiotherapy (ie after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, after pelvic operations for cancer or in general after any form of surgery or radiotherapy to a group of lymph nodes.)
Patients should be carefully educated at the time of the operation/radiotherapy and made to realise that they have a limb(s) “at high risk” which must be carefully looked after. Unfortunately, this can often be brushed over or played down – presumably to avoid worrying a patient further; those with lymphoedema often wish they had been worried a little more! Post-operative and post-radiotherapy patients should be carefully educated immediately – including proper exercises.
Patients who have been treated very successfully so they no longer have to wear a compression sleeve/stocking, are still in the “at risk” category and must follow some simple lifestyle guidelines if they are to remain symptom free. Patients who are well informed and careful in managing their lymphatic deficiencies can have their limbs reduce greatly and live normal or almost normal lives. Those who are careless or inattentive about caring for themselves, seem to have trouble all their lives. Essentially it is up to the patient, but they can only do their part if carefully taught.
Please do not hesitate to contact our lymphoedema practitioner if you would like to know more. We can guide you through treatment options, help you to better understand your condition or how to support your lymphatic system with simple lifestyle changes.
Types of Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema can either be primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired). Secondary lymphoedema is usually an acquired lymphoedema resulting from hormone or metabolic disturbances, surgery that causes significant scaring, chemotherapy, radiotherapy causing burns and scaring. It may also develop from a phlebo (vascular) or lipo (metabolic) oedemas.
Primary lymphoedema is a chronic disorder resulting from an underdeveloped and/or impaired lymphatic system. Primary lymphoedema can be present at birth, can occur with delayed onset later in life or be triggered by a trauma, surgery or infection. It can run in families and tends to affect more women than men.
Lymphoedema can either be primary (congenital) or secondary (acquired). Secondary lymphoedema is usually an acquired lymphoedema resulting from hormone or metabolic disturbances, surgery that causes significant scaring, chemotherapy, radiotherapy causing burns and scaring. It may also develop from a phlebo (vascular) or lipo (metabolic) oedemas.
Primary lymphoedema is a chronic disorder resulting from an underdeveloped and/or impaired lymphatic system. Primary lymphoedema can be present at birth, can occur with delayed onset later in life or be triggered by a trauma, surgery or infection. It can run in families and tends to affect more women than men.
Resources & Articles
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| Lymphoedema & Orthopaedic Surgery.pdf |