March is Lymphedema Awareness Month
Did you know that more than 10 million Americans are diagnosed with lymphedema and lymphatic diseases?
More people are living with these diseases in the United States than are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS and Parkinson's Disease — combined.
What is Lymphedema?
To understand Lymphedema, let’s talk first about the Lymphatic System. Most people are familiar with the Circulatory System, which consists of the heart, arteries, and veins. The lesser known Lymphatic System is a one-way system of vessels, which runs parallel to the blood vessels, starting in the tissue spaces throughout the body (skin, muscle, organs, etc.) and ending at large veins close to the heart.
The lymphatic system is a portion of your immune system that guards against infection and drains excess fluid from the body’s tissue spaces. Lymphedema occurs when there is a direct or indirect disruption of the lymphatic system in the form of surgery, radiation, injury and any trauma.
What causes Lymphedema?
There are two types of lymphedema:
Primary lymphedema you can be born with or can develop during adolescence, and is caused by developmental abnormalities of the lymphatic system.
Secondary lymphedema occurs from the inability of the lymphatic system to perform one of its basic functions: the removal of water, protein and waste from the tissues throughout the body. Secondary lymphedema can be a result of any trauma to the body (surgery, an infection, burns, radiation and cancer, even a mosquito bite). More than half of lymphedema cases are cancer-related, with the highest incidence stemming from breast cancer.
It is difficult to predict who will develop the condition, but you can get it wherever there are lymph nodes that may be injured. No body part is immune. It can occur immediately, but may also occur years after a major surgery or trauma.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms can include feelings of heaviness, tightness or fullness, usually in an arm or leg. There can be a dull ache and swelling. If your clothes or jewelry aren’t fitting, this can be a sign of swelling.
If you have had surgery, experienced trauma to an area, had any sort of disturbance to your body or if you think there is a problem, reach out to your primary care physician.
Lymphedema is often overlooked, under diagnosed and untreated; we all have to be advocates for ourselves. We know how we feel and can identify subtle changes that may occur.
Can lymphedema be treated?
There is no cure for lymphedema, but it can be managed. Once diagnosed, the key to treatment is early intervention and managing swelling. The earlier you identify it, the less chance that it will progress.
Work with your primary care physician or certified lymphedema therapist for a specific management plan.
Learn more about lymphedema at www.lymphaticnetwork.org or www.lymphnet.org.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.