Lymphedema

Also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then the bloodstream. The condition can be inherited or can be caused by a birth defect, though it is frequently caused by cancer treatments, and by parasitic infections. Though incurable and progressive, a number of treatments can ameliorate symptoms. Tissues with lymphedema are at high risk of infection.

Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid just beneath the skin. This swelling, or edema, occurs most commonly in the arm or leg, but it also may occur in other parts of the body including the breast or trunk, head and neck, or genitals. Lymphedema usually develops when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed (secondary lymphedema) but can also be present when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired due to a hereditary condition (primary lymphedema).

There's no cure for lymphedema. But it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of the affected limb. Lymphedema affects approximately 140 million people worldwide. More Americans have lymphedema and lymphatic diseases than AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s disease—COMBINED.

Up to 10 million Americans and hundreds of millions worldwide suffer from lymphedema. It will occur in up to 50% of breast cancer survivors, and 100% of those with head and neck cancer. Lymphedema looms for all cancer surgery survivors and that includes prostate, ovarian and melanoma. (Yes, that’s lymphedema one sees in Sen. John McCain’s cheek). Since lymphedema can also be caused by trauma, it is a major issue for our injured military personnel. And there are up to 0.6% of children who are born with debilitating lymphatic diseases. Think of this when you go to see Bradley Cooper portray “The Elephant Man” on Broadway this fall. John Merrick had the lymphatic disease called Proteus syndrome. Finally, recall images you’ve seen of tropical peoples suffering from enormous appendages. They are among the 100 million who suffer from the parasite-born lymphatic disease called elephantiasis (filariasis).

Some People with Lymphedema:

• 1. Kathy Bates – Kathy Bates - Life with Lymphedema
• 2. There is at least one celebrity whose ordeal from lymphedema is well documented. Three-time Academy Award winning actress Ingrid Bergman suffered from lymphedema after breast cancer surgery in 1974, Her lymphedema would become even more severe after the metastasized cancer resurfaced in 1977 and persisted until her death in 1982.

References/Links:

1. National Lymphedema Network - What is Lymphedema?
2. Wikipedia - Lymphedema
3. The Science Behind Compression Therapy in Lymphedema Management by Joachim Zuther on 12/5/2014
4. Lymphatic Education & Research Network – Fighting a Lymphedemic: Seeking Lymphedema Spokespersons…
5. National Lymphedema Network - Educational Videos
6. National Lymphedema Network – Healthy Habits for Patients at Risk for Lymphedema
7. National Cancer Institute - Lymphedema–Patient Version (PDQ®); General Information About Lymphedema
8. Lymphatic Education & Research Network – FAQs About Lymphedema
9. Lymphedema—More that Just Cancer’s Nasty Little Secret
10. Daily Mail.com – The women left with bloated limbs when the body’s plumbing goes haywire