Lymphedema Unit
Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that's usually drained through the body's lymphatic system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals.
There are 2 types of lymphoedema – primary and secondary lymphoedema – which have different etiologies. Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphoedema develops in people who previously had a normal lymphatic system. It can have a number of different etiologies. Some of the most common causes are; infection, cancer surgery, radiotherapy, inflammation, venous diseases, trauma, injury, immobility and obesity. Rarely, lymphedema results from nutritional deficiency, low albumin level, diabetes mellitus , kidney failure, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver diseases in which lymph vessels are not able to adequately drain lymph fluid.
The aim of lymphedema treatment is to reduce swelling in the extremities, preventing the progression of disease and complications, improving the ability to performing the daily activities of the individuals, resulting in physically and psychologically well-being condition. The early detection and management of lymphedema prevent progression and provide better treatment results .
Lymphedema signs and symptoms include:
• Swelling in a part or all of the arm /leg, including fingers or toes
• Feeling of tension and swelling
• Limited range of motion
• Recurrent skin infections
• Thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
• The formation of folds on the skin
• The formation of wart-like lesions on the skin
• The fluid leakage through the skin
The aim of lympedema treatment is to provide fluid drainage, reduce edema and symptoms related with edema by accelerating lymphatic drainage. It is administered by an experienced physician who is educated in lymphedema therapy. Therapy programme consists of manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging and dressing, exercises (aerobic, strengthening, range of motion exercises etc.), patient education, home-based programme and skin care. This modality is a multidisciplinary approach including patient, physician, physiotherapist, nurse and in some cases a psychologist.
