Lymphedema: symptoms, causes, to treatment • hello healthy

Definition

What is lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymph. Lymphedema or lymphatic edema occurs in the hands, feet, or both hands and feet due to poor lymph circulation due to blocked, damaged, or abnormal lymph vessels.

Impaired lymph around the legs is sometimes called elephantiasis edema because the affected leg looks large like an elephant's leg.

How common is lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

Lymphedema is a condition that cannot be avoided in cancer treatment and is common after cancer treatment (eg breast, cervical, endometriosis, vulvar, head and neck, prostate, melanoma, and sarcoma).

This disease can appear in all age groups. You can limit your chances of getting sick by reducing your risk factors. Consult your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

Lymphedema signs and symptoms are:

• Pain in the arm or leg
• Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including the fingers or toes.
• Women who are undergoing radiation therapy (radiotherapy) for breast cancer may experience problems with their right hand.
• Lymph disorders in men due to prostate cancer metastases may have problems with the right leg.
• Swelling without pain but lasts for a while.
• Other body parts such as genitals or face may also be affected.
• Edema of the foot looks like an elephant's leg (swells). Compare a normal leg with a swollen leg.
• Lymphedema due to cancer treatment may not appear until several months or years after treatment.

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have any questions about this sign, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have the above signs and symptoms or have any questions, please consult your doctor. If you are having cancer treatment, you need to call your doctor if your leg or arm is swollen, red, feels hot, and has pain.

The status and condition of this disease can vary in many people. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best method of diagnosis and treatment for you.

Cause

What causes lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when lymph flow is obstructed and makes lymph fluid unable to flow normally. There are two types of causes of lymphatic disorders, namely primary and secondary.

1. Primary lymphedema is a rare type. This is caused by developmental disorders. This lymph disorder appears in people under 20 years of age. Generally, women are more susceptible to this disease than men.
2. Secondary types of lymphedema are caused by other diseases such as infectious diseases (Streptococcus , filariasis). Injury from impact or exposure to radiation or certain cancers, such as breast, prostate, and lymph node tumors.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

These factors that may increase the risk of lymphedema are:

• Elderly
• Being overweight or obese
• Rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism) or psoriasis.

Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get sick. The above risks are for reference only. You need to consult a specialist for more information.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

Lymphedema treatment depends on the cause. Treatment includes improving the condition of the foot affected by primary lymphatics, foot massage and pressing in an appropriate manner. Possible solutions to help include pillows and stockings. Lymphatic surgery is performed if the patient's leg is increased in size while the leg is being treated, normal leg rest periods, recurrent infections, or esthetic problems. For secondary lymphatics, the cause (prostate and breast cancer) must be identified and treated.

What are the tests for lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

Doctors diagnose based on medical history, physical examination, and imaging method called lymphangiography. In the lymphangiography method, the doctor applies dye into the lymph vessels to see images of the location of the obstructions. Doctors can do blood tests or CT scans to rule out other diseases.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat lymphedema (lymphatic obstruction)?

The lifestyle and home remedies below may help treat lymphedema:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Take medication as directed by your doctor
• If your hands and feet become infected, you should be treated immediately. In some cases, you will need a diuretic to reduce swelling.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.