by Causes of Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs when the lymph nodes or vessels in the body are damaged or blocked, leading to a buildup of lymphatic fluid in tissues. There are a few main factors that can cause lymphedema:
Breast cancer treatment – Lymph nodes in the armpit and breast area are often removed or radiated during breast cancer treatment. This can damage the lymphatic system and lead to lymphedema in the arm on the affected side. Around 25% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema.
Prostate cancer treatment – Radiation to lymph nodes in the groin during prostate cancer treatment puts patients at risk of developing lymphedema in the legs or genitals.
Melanoma treatment – Surgery to remove lymph nodes containing melanoma cells can damage lymph drainage and cause lymphedema.
Trauma – Physical injuries like fractures that damage lymph vessels can block lymph flow and cause lymphedema. Burns are another form of trauma that increases risk.
Filariasis infection – A parasitic infection transmitted through mosquito bites that causes severe damage to lymph vessels, Lymphedema Treatment especially in tropical regions.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
The main symptom of lymphedema is swelling that occurs gradually over time in areas drained by affected lymph nodes. Other signs and symptoms may include:
– Heaviness or discomfort in the affected area
– Tightness or stiffness of skin and tissues
– Decreased range of motion
– Recurring skin infections like cellulitis
– Fatigue or weakness in the limb
– Discoloration or thickening of skin
Conservative Lymphedema Treatment Options
For mild lymphedema, conservative strategies are usually tried first:
Manual Lymphedema Treatment drainage (MLD) – A gentle skin massage technique performed by a therapist to encourage lymph flow and drain fluid. Requires lifelong maintenance.
Compression therapy – Use of specially designed compression garments or bandages to encourage drainage and prevent fluid buildup. Needs ongoing fitting adjustments.
Skin and nail care – Keeping skin clean and moisturized helps reduce infections that can worsen lymphedema. Fungal nail infections should be promptly treated.
Exercise – Gentle range-of-motion and low-impact exercises can improve lymphatic drainage if done regularly under guidance.
Elevation – Positioning the affected limb above the level of the heart when sitting or lying down aids drainage.
Weight control – Excess weight puts extra strain on the lymphatic system and increases lymphedema risk.
Advanced Lymphedema Treatment Options
For longstanding or severe lymphedema, more intensive interventions may be offered:
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) – A intensive program using MLD, multilayered compressions, exercise, and skin care techniques over several weeks to significantly reduce swelling.
Pneumatic compression pump therapy – An automated pump device provides sequential compression from the toes/fingers upward to mechanically pump lymph fluid proximally. Used at home.
Low-level laser therapy – Therapy with low-intensity infrared or near-infrared light applied to stimulate lymphatic vessels and pump lymph. May enhance effects of MLD and compression.
Diuretic medications – Short-term use of diuretics like furosemide that increase urine output to help reduce lymphedema fluid buildup.
Surgery and liposuction – For some patients with genetically determined or congenital lymphedema, extensive lymphatic surgery or lympho-liposuction combined with compression may provide long-term improvement.
Newer Treatment Advances for Lymphedema
Newer targeted treatment approaches are also now available for managing lymphedema:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors – Drugs like Bevacizumab that block lymphangiogenesis and new lymph vessel growth to prevent worsening of lymphedema. Used experimentally.
Indocyanine green lymphangiography – A technique using an injected fluorescent dye and infrared camera to precisely map abnormal lymph vessels for directing microsurgeries.
Bioness L300 – An advanced neuromuscular electrostimulation system that uses microcurrents to stimulate active muscle contractions for lymph pumping and drainage without too much exertion. Used at home.
Other emerging therapies include bone marrow-derived cell or stem cell therapies to repair lymph vessels, nanomedicine particles that can drain fluid, genetic strategies to induce compensatory lymph vessel growth, and tissue-engineered lymph vessels for grafting.
As research advances, safer and more targeted options are being developed to improve long-term management of lymphedema. Combined conservative therapies are still important for symptom control, but newer treatments allow better customization based on individual patient factors and disease severity.
Choosing a Treatment Plan
Comprehensive lymphedema treatment requires an individualized, multimodal approach tailored by a therapist experienced in lymphatic issues. Mild cases are managed conservatively at first, while more severe lymphedema may require aggressive decongestive therapy combinations or new advanced options. Long-term success depends on patient adherence to maintenance protocols even after active treatment ends. With the new treatment developments, lymphedema patients now have more hope for effectively managing their condition
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
