The Lymphatic System, Lymphoedema and its relationship to Breast Cancer
The lymphatic system is one of the organs that is present throughout the human body and consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and a number of organs, all of which contain lymphatic tissue. Lymphoedema is an abnormal accumulation of high protein fluid in the tissues caused by a malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.
WE TREAT THESE CONDITIONS
- Manual Lymph Drainage (read more)
Primary and Secondary lymphoedema
Who gets Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked or under-developed, or from trauma (surgery or injury) or cancer in the lymph system
Causes
- Surgery (removal of melanoma or lymph nodes due to breast or prostate cancers)
- Radiation Therapy (this destroys cancer cells, damages lymph nodes and vessels as well as the surrounding healthy tissue
- Chronic venous inadequacies (such as varicose veins)
- Cancer of the lymph system
- Lack of movement perhaps after suffering a stroke or when pain limits movement
- Developmental abnormality of the lymph system (this can be congenital, from birth, or develop later in life and is usually genetic
- Infections of the lymph system
- Arthritis (the affected joints are inflamed, resulting in swelling)
- Self induced trauma (for example a tight bandage, tight clothing or a tight blood pressure cuff)
- Parasites, trauma or burns
Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema
The affected area may feel
- Uncomfortable, full or heavy
- Painful
- Ungainly
- Numb
- Pins and needles
- Warm
- A shiny appearance and be red in colour
- Hardened or thickened areas
- Discolouration
- Pitting oedema: when pressure applied to the affected area leaves a dent/pit
- Swollen limb that may or may not improve with elevation
How to avoid developing lymphoedema
- Heat
- Avoid hot baths; showers; steam baths; saunas; sunbathing; being too close to a heater or a very hot climate
- Infection
- Keep your skin; clean, dry, well hydrated and avoid any injuries to your skin
- Over exertion
- Lifting anything heavy
- Challenging housework
- Over exercising
- A physically demanding job
- Injury
- Avoid cuts, burns, pricks and insect bites
- Constriction
- Do not wear tight clothing ,tight jewellery or blood pressure cuff on the affected limb
- Diet
- Avoid a fatty or salty diet
- Never have an injection, blood taken, a blood pressure cuff or drip on the affected area