Lymphedema Management: What Every Women with Cancer Should Know

Lymphedema is a very common and serious condition that affects at least 3 million Americans. It occurs when the lymphatic system becomes insufficient and is unable to perform its normal functions. The result is an abnormal accumulation of water and proteins, primarily under the first layer of skin tissue. While lymphedema is most commonly present in the extremities, it may also affect the trunk, abdomen, head and neck, the external genitalia as well as the inner organs. Its onset is gradual in some patients and sudden in others. Most patients develop lymphedema after surgery and/or radiation therapy for various cancers (breast, uterus, prostate, bladder, lymphoma, and melanoma).

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the therapy of choice for most patients suffering from lymphedema. CDT is a non-invasive, multi-component approach to treat lymphedema. The goal in lymphedema management is to reduce the swelling and to maintain the reduction by removing excess proteins and water from the tissues, utilizing remaining lymph vessels and other lymphatic pathways. Additional goals are prevention and elimination of infections and the reduction and removal of fibrotic (hardened) tissues. Lymphedema is serious due to its long-term physical and psychosocial consequences for patients as it continues to progress if left untreated.

CDT has four components designed to achieve this goal:

  1. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
  2. Compression Therapy
  3. Decongestive Exercises
  4. Skin Care

Treatment it applied in two phases:

  • Intensive Phase: The patient is treated by a skilled and specially trained therapist 2-3 days a week until the swollen extremity is reduced to a normal or near normal size.
  • Self-Management Phase: The patient assumes responsibility for managing, improving and maintaining the results achieved in the intensive phase.

While lymphedema is considered to be a chronic condition, the CVMC lymphedema management program is designed to provide individualized treatment, education, support and follow-up to enhance the long-term success of each patient we serve. If you are interested in finding out more information about treating lymphedema, please contact certified lymphedema therapist Kerry Riffle, OT/L, CLT at the Center for Rehabilitation at Catawba Valley Medical Center (828) 326-2131.

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