Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a swelling caused by the failure of the lymphatic system to remove a normal accumulation of protein and fluid from the body tissues. If the drainage routes through the lymphatic system become blocked or damaged, lymph accumulates in the tissues and swelling (oedema) occurs.

Unlike other oedemas, lymphoedema is more than just an accumulation of fluid: there are significant changes in the number and type of cells and their activity levels, changes in the levels of oxygen in the tissues and an accumulations of protein and waste products. Among the cells affected are the Macrophages (the white blood cells) whose job it is to clear away debris such as dead or dying cells (including bacteria) and which are therefore central to the body’s immune system. If the Macrophages fail to function properly there may be a build up of fibrous (hard) tissue in the affected limb and an increased risk of infection.

There are two types of lymphoedema:

Primary Lymphoedema
Secondary Lymphoedema

For information on Lymphoedema treatment, click here.

Primary Lymphoedema

Primary Lymphoedema is usually present at birth and may be due to the underdevelopment of the lymphatic system. It may present at anytime however, the normal pattern is for a presentation at birth (neonatum), or at puberty (precox/juvenile) or later in life (tarda/adult). The onset of juvenile and adult forms may be associated with an infection or injury, but often there is no trigger that can be identified.

Secondary Lymphoedema

Secondary Lymphoedema occurs when an otherwise healthy lymphatic system becomes damaged. This may occur either as a result of treatment for cancer following surgery or radiotherapy or as result of trauma to the system. For example - infection, injury and burns or following surgical procedures.

Research indicates that around 30% of women who have treatment for breast cancer may develop lymphoedema in the arm and about 30% of men and women who have lymph glands removed during treatment for cancers of the reproductive system or bowel may develop lymphoedema in the legs and/or abdominal region. This may take as long as 3 years to present.

The main signs of a developing lymphoedema are:
• a swelling that comes and goes with exercise or other physical activity.
• feelings of heaviness, pain or tension in the limb.
• a “bursting” feeling (tightness and fullness) in the limb.
• pins and needles
• numbness.
• redness and a sensation of heat.

Treatment

Many medical practitioners and health care professionals are either unaware or perhaps sceptical of treatment available for the symptoms of lymphoedema.

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) has been the treatment of choice for lymphoedema and many other conditions for many years.

The development of Secondary Lymphoedema has a latent or hidden phase, a stage when the lymphatic capacity is reduced. Changes are occurring within the tissues however these changes are so subtle that no swelling is evident. Symptoms such as pain, pins and needles, heaviness and tension are all signs indicating these changes are occurring, however these signs are often ignored or misdiagnosed. If CDT is commenced at this stage the development of a full blown secondary lymphoedema may be prevented.

It is our hope that eventually all medical professionals will be aware of CDT and it effects in the successful management of this debilitating condition.

If all those undergoing surgical lymph node removal and/or radiotherapy were automatically referred for CDT perhaps the incidence of secondary lymphoedema could be significantly reduced.

Please don't wait to be referred, call us and we will be happy to advise you on preventative techniques and treatment options if they are required.