For those living with lymphedema, everyday life can present both challenges and dangers. Learning how to avoid injury is vitally important but with just a few precautions, you can learn to protect your affected limb.
BY Bonnie Annis
PUBLISHED May 16, 2018
Bonnie Annis is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed in 2014 with stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. She is an avid photographer, freelance writer/blogger, wife, mother and grandmother.
The lymphatic system is a very important part of the body's immune system. It consists of lymph, lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. This very intricate system is responsible for removing excess fluid and blood proteins from the body's tissues. The fluid moves from the lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes where it is filtered and cleansed before being returned to the heart. When it reaches the heart, it is recirculated to the body.
When the normal flow of lymphatic fluid is disrupted, it can back up, resulting in painful swelling known as lymphedema. If left untreated, this backed up fluid can result in infection or cause a hardening of tissues called fibrosis.
Any trauma to the lymph nodes, including injury, surgery, infection and radiation can eventually lead to lymphedema. It can occur in men, women or children. It most commonly appears in the arms or legs, but can occur in the trunk, groin or other areas of the body.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema is often present at birth and is caused by a malformation or malfunction in the lymphatic system often thought to be genetic. Secondary lymphedema is not present at birth and is caused by specific damage to the lymphatic system.
Breast cancer surgery often results in the removal of one or more lymph nodes. Doctors usually check the sentinel lymph node for evidence of cancerous cells. With the removal of one or more lymph nodes, called node dissection, an otherwise healthy immune system can become compromised.
When the normal flow of lymphatic fluid is disrupted, it can back up, resulting in painful swelling known as lymphedema. If left untreated, this backed up fluid can result in infection or cause a hardening of tissues called fibrosis.
Any trauma to the lymph nodes, including injury, surgery, infection and radiation can eventually lead to lymphedema. It can occur in men, women or children. It most commonly appears in the arms or legs, but can occur in the trunk, groin or other areas of the body.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema is often present at birth and is caused by a malformation or malfunction in the lymphatic system often thought to be genetic. Secondary lymphedema is not present at birth and is caused by specific damage to the lymphatic system.
Breast cancer surgery often results in the removal of one or more lymph nodes. Doctors usually check the sentinel lymph node for evidence of cancerous cells. With the removal of one or more lymph nodes, called node dissection, an otherwise healthy immune system can become compromised.
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