Fluid moves throughout the body in the lymphatic system similar to how blood moves through blood vessels such as veins and arteries. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and the circulatory system. It helps to keep our body healthy and fight infections by transporting cellular debris to be filtered. Blood vessels leak a fluid called lymph; the lymphatic system works to take the lymph and transfer it back into the circulatory system. Along the lymphatic system are lymph nodes which filter out any unwanted cells.
Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is impaired or damaged, such as after cancer treatment. Lymphedema is a chronic and debilitating condition caused by an abnormal buildup of lymphatic fluid in the body, usually in the arm or leg, causing swelling. Some symptoms of lymphedema include the following:
→Sensation of fullness/heaviness
→Early fatigue
→Reduced Mobility – It becomes harder to move a joint or takes more effort
→Inability to feel – The limb containing lymphedema will become numb to pain
→Tingling pain sensations
→Difficulty with daily activities
→Disfigurement
→Infections
→Lymphatic cancer (rare)
→Emotional distress
There are two types of lymphedema; primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema is lymphedema that can be genetically linked, something that a person can be born with or develop later in life. Secondary lymphedema is usually caused by cancer, cancer treatments, infection, and/or surgery. Cancer treatments can scar lymph nodes and lymphatics. Cancer cells block the lymphatic system from performing correctly. Infections such as a parasite can damage your lymph nodes. Any surgery or trauma can damage or remove your lymph nodes. These are some of the ways that secondary lymphedema presents. There is currently no known cure for lymphedema, but treatment can be found at The Integrative Lymphedema Institute.
The Integrative Lymphedema Institute has procedures and treatments to help manage your lymphedema and there are various treatment options available to you which best suit your particular needs. These treatments can be either surgical or non-surgical, depending on the severity of the disease.
If you suspect that you may have lymphedema, please schedule an appointment by calling 214.351.8491.