Lymphedema has long been recognized as a chronic, treatable — but incurable — condition in which excess lymph fluid accumulates in affected tissues and causes swelling, discomfort, and other related problems. It is frequently associated with life-saving treatments for potentially deadly diseases such as breast cancer. That’s because these treatments often include therapies such as biopsy or surgical removal of …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …