Lymphedema

The protein-rich lymphatic fluid helps our immune system to clean our bodies from microbes and waste from cells. The system that balances the amount of this fluid in the body is called the lymphatic system. Lymph fluid provides lymphatic channels that circulate in the body.

In the lymphatic system, as in the circulatory system, there is no mechanism like heart and artery to facilitate circulation. Instead, the circulation of lymph fluid over the lymph channels is achieved by muscle movements, that is, by mobility in our daily life. If the amount of lymph fluid accumulated in the body is more than the lymphatic system can carry, lymphedema (known to the public as the name of the elephant disease) occurs.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of lymphedema that can occur on the face, neck, arms, legs, abdomen and chest wall are as follows:

• Bloating in certain areas
• Movement limitation in the joints of the bulging areas
• Pain in armpit, groin areas and hard areas
• Skin sensation, nodules and stiffness
• Feeling of weight
• Feeling of discomfort
• Infections with recurrent attacks
• Skin discoloration, thickening, arm or leg hardening
• Advanced swelling; elephant's disease
• Lymphedema open wounds on the skin
• How does it occur?

Mostly during the treatment of cancer, the lymph nodes and their paths are damaged due to both surgery and irradiation, causing lymphedema. In addition, congenital lymphatic system disorders and infection, trauma, injury, such as conditions affecting the lymphatic system can lead to the formation of lymphedema. The most common cause is obstruction of the canals due to cancer or removal of lymph nodes during cancer surgery.

Clogged Lymph Nodes Can Create Swelling on Arms and Limbs

Cancer can cause the lymph nodes to clog, or the tumor, which is enlarged next to the lymph nodes, can pressure the lymph nodes and cause the lymph fluid to drain. During cancer treatment, not only surgery, but also radiotherapy may cause obstruction of the lymph nodes or nodes, causing swelling in the arms and legs. Lymphedema does not develop in all individuals receiving cancer treatment; however, the risk of developing lymphedema is higher if the cancer is advanced in the advanced age, obesity and infection.

Increased Body Heat Attacks

Lymphedema may affect one arm, leg or both sides. Some or all of the arm or leg may swell. In some cases, only the fingers are swollen. The patient may feel weight, pain, and limitation of movement on the side of developing lymphedema. Another complaint is recurrent infections. As the lymph flow is impaired, the lymph fluid accumulates and, with the contamination of bacteria, this fluid, which is already very suitable for the growth of microbes, easily initiates the infection.
If the infection develops, the side with lymphedema swells more, pain, redness sometimes the patient has fever and fever attacks. In particular, if there is a swelling in the leg or arm after cancer treatment, it is necessary to start treatment immediately. Early diagnosis increases the chances of success in lymphedema.

Regular Exercise Is Very Important

Lymphedema treatment is a long-term treatment and early diagnosis is important. Therefore, the doctor and the patient should be very close and work together. It is important for the patient to exercise in the treatment of lymphedema. These exercises should be taught and taught by physical therapists trained in lymphedema. Movements should not be too tiring. There should be exercises in the style that mimic daily activity.

Bandage and Massage

The most important part of the treatment of lymphedema is compression therapy. A bandaging, which will involve the entire limb starting from the fingers, reduces the volume of the limb which is the lymphedema. This is usually done by an experienced physical therapist. This can also be reduced by an experienced massage by an experienced physiotherapist. Bandage and massage are provided to open alternative lymph channels that are normally closed. Special devices and compression garments that work by pressing intermittent air after volume reduction and that allow the lymph fluid to be puffed up are very useful for further treatment.

Current Treatments

With the early diagnosis, new generation pressure pumps, laser treatment and surgical interventions lead to successful results in the treatment of lymphedema. With a trained and experienced team, lymphedema is now becoming a chronic disease that does not affect the patient's quality of life.