Lymphedema Resources
Here at the UTHealth Health Science Center at Houston, your health is our primary concern and we are dedicated to providing the best patient-centered care available through our extensive resources here at the Texas Medical Center.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in the body. Lymph fluid is drained by the lymph vessels in the lymphatic system. Cancer treatment may disrupt this process resulting in this accumulation of lymph fluid, which can occur months to years following treatment. Causes of Lymphedema
Cancer and cancer treatments can cause lymphedema due to a tumor blocking lymph fluid drainage, surgical intervention interrupting the lymph fluid drainage or scarring from radiation therapy blocking lymph fluid flow.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
Common signs and symptoms include sensations of heaviness, tightness, numbness, or fullness in areas of the body.
Treatment of Lymphedema
Bandaging, Wraps, Leggings, and Stockings
These solutions act as compression garments that aid in moving and preventing build up of lymph fluid. Properly fitting for these garments are performed by a medical professional.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
As a part of complete decongestive therapy, lymphatic drainage is managed by a certified lymphatic therapist. This will involve a series of gentle massages to assist in the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body.
Compression Pump
When connected to a compression sleeve or sock, this pump will periodically apply pressure to the affected arm or leg, which may help the flow of lymph fluid and prevent the accumulation of it in the limbs.
Surgical or other interventions
For advanced cases of lymphedema, a physician may recommend surgery or alternative medical interventions.
- Lymphovenous bypass is a surgical procedure that creates a new path for lymph fluid drainage by connects the lymph vessels to a vein.
- Lymphovenous transplants replace a damaged node with a healthy one from another part of the body.
- Liposuction removes excess tissue growth to improve the appearance and function of the affected arm or leg.
Lowering Your Risk of Lymphedema
- Protect your skin by using lotion to prevent dry skin and cracks that can lead to infection by bacteria.
- Use compression garments when moving about as recommended by a medical professional.
- Exercise to improve lymph fluid flow as directed by your physician. This also has the affect to maintaining a healthy weight that can help control lymphedema.
- Avoid pressure on the affected area.
- Hydration is important to maintaining lymph flow.
- Control Salt as it can exacerbate swelling due to fluid retention.