Patients with lymphedema have treatment options

AORN Journal, August, 2006 by B. Radford

Today, more patients with lymphedema are being diagnosed correctly and receiving treatment by health care professionals, according to a May 16, 2006, article from BellevilleNewsDemocrat.com. Lymphedema is a chronic, sometimes painful condition created by a buildup of excess lymph fluid, typically in a patient's leg or arm. Untreated, lymphedema can predispose a limb to infection. Millions of Americans suffer from lymphedema, which is found more commonly in women than in men.

The two recognized types of lymphedema are primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema. Primary lymphedema is believed to arise from abnormal development of the Lymphatic system and is not as common as secondary lymphedema, which is caused by damage to the lymphatic system as a result of a surgical procedure or radiation. Secondary lymphedema is common in patients who have been treated for breast cancer, but it can result from any procedure that requires the removal of lymph nodes.

Until recently, diagnosis of this condition was uncommon, and effective therapy was nonexistent. Newer therapeutic treatments include use of compression garments and manual lymph drainage (ie, a massage that stimulates lymph vessels and assists the flow of fluid). Although these measures do not cure the condition, they can ease symptoms and help prevent infection.

B Radford, "Help finally arrives for lymphedema patients," Bellevillenewsdemocrat.com, http://www. belleville.com/mld/belleville/living/14585960.htm (accessed 22 May 2006).