Lymphedema is an unwelcome diagnosis that can present more than a few challenges. Few people are prepared for the harsh realities of life with lymphedema. Although symptoms typically vary widely from patient to patient, the fact remains that lymphedema is not a temporary condition. Lymphedema must be managed to reduce its impact on a patient’s daily life and to help …
The Relationship Between Lymphedema and Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a fairly common condition among people suffering from lymphedema. It involves infection of the internal, living layer of the skin, known as the dermis—and the tissue immediately beneath the skin; called subcutaneous tissue—in affected areas, such as the upper arm, or more commonly, the legs. Lymphedema and cellulitis enjoy an unfortunate relationship; cellulitis can trigger new instances of …
Get to Know Your Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are tiny, round (or bean-shaped) structures distributed throughout your body. They serve as biological filters of a sort, helping to trap and eliminate potentially dangerous germs, such as bacteria or viruses, which might otherwise do you harm. In some places—such as under the arms, in the groin, and in the neck—they cluster in groups. You may even be …
Could Lymphaticovenous Bypass Offer New Hope for Lymphedema Patients?
New research that suggests a combination of certain anti-inflammatory compounds already in use can stop and even reverse the progression of lymphedema when the condition is caught early enough. Now, a new surgical procedure called lymphaticovenous bypass (LVB) may be able to reverse lymphedema even after it is established. Present research into this groundbreaking surgery is focused on lymphedema of …