Lymphedema

Lymphedema is one of the most common types of edema. Lymphedema can cause swelling, fatigue, a feeling of heaviness or pressure, tingling, limitation of movement, skin abnormalities, and an increased risk of infection (dandruff).

Lymphedema can be primary or secondary. Drainage of lymphatic fluid can be complex for various reasons. Some people already have too few lymphatic vessels at birth.

The resulting edema is called 'primary lymphedema'. Secondary lymphedema refers to edema that occurs later in life and is not congenital. External influences cause this type of lymphedema.

Recognizing the signs of lymphedema is essential to allow early treatment and minimize the risk of complications. The following symptoms may indicate lymphedema:
 

• One-sided swelling

• Deepening of natural skin wrinkles

• The back of the foot/hand is affected

• Skin color is unchanged, mainly

• Slow hardening of the skin

• Positive Stemmer sign

The lymphatic system is part of our body's immune system. The lymphatic vessels filter and remove substances dissolved in the fluid. These include, for example, blood proteins, fatty acids, and metabolic or inflammatory products. If lymphatic drainage is impaired, lymph accumulates in the tissue, usually in the legs or arms. 
 

Primary lymphedema is due to the lymphatic system not developing optimally. For example, there are too few lymphatic vessels or no lymph nodes. The lymphatic vessels become narrowed, hardened, or dilated in other cases.
 

Secondary lymphedema can occur due to disease, infection, injury, or after treatment for another condition. It is often the result of surgery and radiation as part of cancer treatment. It is more common than the primary one. 

It is a known fact that lymphoedema is a chronic condition. However, there are many ways to improve quality of life and reduce the effects of the disease.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that can worsen without appropriate treatment. How well the symptoms can be alleviated depends on the stage of the disease and how well those affected can follow treatment recommendations and self-help measures. Therefore, if you suspect lymphedema, you should seek medical help immediately.
 

Conservative treatment
 

Experts recommend combining compression therapy, lymphatic drainage, exercise training, and skin care. The focus here is on a balanced diet and adequate exercise.
 

Lymphedema surgery
 

Sometimes, conservative measures do not help to control lymphedema. Then, surgical intervention may make sense. However, experts recommend this only in severe cases where the patient is not at unnecessary risk from surgery. Surgical treatments may include: 
 

Lymphatic bypass procedure: This involves linking and redirecting the lymphatic vessels and veins to prevent obstructions and facilitate lymph flow into the body's venous system.
 

Lymph node transfer: Surgeons transplant healthy lymph nodes from different parts of your body to replace the damaged ones, effectively establishing a new lymphatic network for the region affected by lymphedema. 
 

Debulking: Advanced lymphedema is surgically reduced in size. Surgeons cut away the affected skin, underlying fatty tissue, and muscle skin to varying degrees and cover the surgical area, for example, with a skin graft.

Preventive measures cannot rule out hereditary lymphedema. However, if you know your predisposition, you can avoid additional risk factors, for example, due to frequent cases in the family. A balanced diet and adequate exercise are, therefore, important in reducing the development of lymphedema.

• Don’t sit or stand for long periods.

• Relax your legs by exercising regularly.

• Pay attention to your skincare to avoid infections.

• Take care not to gain weight. 

• Elevate your legs and arms as often as possible.

• Avoid stress and extreme cold. 

• Play sports with a low risk of injury.

• Avoid sunbathing, saunas, and hot tubs.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition. However, with new treatments, you can find effective ways to manage the symptoms of lymphedema. Although the results vary depending on the individual, surgery positively affects patients.