It would be an understatement to suggest that the current global crisis is merely unprecedented. Unparalleled, unheard-of…adjectives fail to convey the astounding nature of our situation. By now it’s hard to imagine anyone remains who is not aware of the threat of the novel coronavirus. But what is COVID-19, and how can you prevent coronavirus infection? And who is at …
A New Way of Diagnosing Lymphedema?
Recently, doctors involved in lymphedema research at Tomsk University, Siberia, announced a potential new method for diagnosing lymphedema. The method combines an imaging technology known as “multiphoton imaging” with sophisticated computing known as machine learning. Multiphoton imaging enables real-time analysis of living tissue, using near-infrared light. In essence, the technique allows scientists to look more deeply into skin tissue without …
Common Skin Conditions to Lookout for With Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling in an affected limb or area of the body. Lymphedema typically manifests after trauma or following certain treatments for conditions such as breast cancer. These treatments, including surgical removal of underarm lymph nodes, chemotherapy, or radiation, may damage or destroy local lymph nodes and/or vessels. Careful management of symptoms may slow or …
Improve Functionality with Lymphedema Exercises
Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system is in everyone’s best interest. It’s not just for patients diagnosed with the lymphatic system disorder, lymphedema. The lymphatic system consists of a network of vessels and nodes — plus the spleen. These vessels and nodes are present throughout the body, roughly paralleling the more familiar blood circulatory system. But there’s one key difference. While …
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Many patients who receive a diagnosis of lymphedema will subsequently be prescribed a treatment regimen called complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This therapy (also called Complex Decongestive Therapy) consists of four or more separate, simultaneous approaches to the management of the swelling and lymph fluid accumulation that characterize lymphedema. CDT is considered the gold standard for treatment once lymphedema has progressed …
Common Myths About Lymphedema
Lymphedema is common among cancer survivors. This is especially true of women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. The removal of lymph nodes under the arm(s), and/or radiation therapy, may damage the lymphatic system. This can hinder its ability to do its job; draining high-protein fluid from affected tissues. This leads to an accumulation of these fluids, resulting in …
Lymphedema’s Impact Extends Beyond Breast Cancer Patients
Lymphedema is frequently associated with women following successful treatments for breast cancer. Breast cancer often requires the removal or irradiation of lymph nodes in the armpits or chest, which can trigger the lymphatic dysfunction that results in chronic lymphedema. This common depiction, though, does not fully encapsulate the lymphedema community. Men Are Susceptible Too Lymphedema is by no means exclusive …
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 …