Today, am talking about lymphedema which I can across on WhatsApp, seeing the image give me the motivation so of making it know and giving the details so many can know more about it and help in the reduction of the lymphedema.
What are we going to say is lymphedema?
lymphedema is the developing or building up of fluid in the body tissues due to the damage or blockage of the body lymph system. The building up of fluid In the tissues causes swelling and it is a very common defect which may be brought up due to the dislodgment of the lymph nodes during cancer and it treatment. When there is closure of the lymphatic system because it serves as part of our immune system, this closure wont allow the well drain of the lymph fluid which will lead to it accumulation and thereby causing swelling.
The lymphatic system is a closed network system of lymph channels or lymph vessels though which there is lymph flow . this is a one way system which allow the flowing of lymph from the tissues to the blood.
There are some portion of the lymph system who do execute a some part in this defect (lymphedema) they include
The lymph which is a clear fluid constituting of lymphocytes (WBC known as White Blood Cells) which are fighting against infection and the development of tumors. The lymph comprises of the watery portion of the blood which aid in carrying the blood cells and this portion is known as plasma.
The lymph vessels which is a tiny tubes which aid the flowing of lymph in the body and also returning it to the bloodstream.
The lymph nodes is a small, bean-shaped structures which separate out lymph and aid in storing white blood cells that fight infection and disease. They are situated by the side of the lymph vessels network which are found throughout the body. The lymph nodes clusters can be detected in the pelvis, abdomen, groin and the neck.
When the lymph is not flowing in the right way (the way it suppose to flow) in the body, then lymphedema is said to occur.
When the lymph is flowing regularly, from the body and it been returned back to the bloodstream then the lymph system is said to be working perfectly
There is leakage of fluid and plasma out of the small blood vessels (capillaries) and move all round the body so nutrients and oxygen can be absorbed by the cells.
There is continual moving of the lymph around the lymph system, then get collects beside the neck before flowing into one of the two large ducts
Lymph is been collected from the right arm and the right part of the head and chest by the right lymph duct
Lymph is been collected from the left arm, both legs and the left part of the head and chest by the left lymph duct
The ducts are drained into the veins located under the collarbones, which take the lymph to the heart where it is been returned back to the bloodstream
The lymphedema is of two types which can be primary or secondary
- Irregular growth of the lymph system lead to primary lymphedema which the symptoms can occur at birth or later in life.
A harm to the lymph system which may be due to infection, cancer, lymph nodes removal and so on may cause secondary lymphedema.
Sign and symptoms of lymphedema
Consulting a doctor is very vital if any of these problems occur
having difficulties in moving a joint in the arm and leg
when there is swelling of the arm or leg, even the fingers or toes.
legs or toes itching
skin thickening when there is or there isn’t change of skin (blisters or warts)
having trouble sleeping
when having a feeling of heaviness (when wearing shoes, cloth etc)
Lymphedema may affect our daily activities and the symptoms can occur slowly or quickly if there is an arm or a leg injury or infections.
Cancer: A risk factors to lymphedema
There is possibility for lymphedema to manifest after there is a cancer or been treated of it and it is preventing the flow of lymph through the lymph nodes. This may start growing within days or even after many years of been treated. Lymphedema is common said to grow within the three years a surgery is been performed. Some of the following may include the risk factors of lymphedema
being obese
when there is a scar tissue in the lymph ducts which is located under the collarbones, which happens to be caused by surgery or radiation therapy.
a blockage of the lymph duct or the nodes by tumor
when the healing of the skin after surgery is very slow
Lymphedema at times can be detected in breast cancer patients who happens to have part of their breast or all removed with the axillary lymph nodes.
Tests Which can be used in detecting and diagnosing lymphedema
Having a physical exam
Lymphoscintigraphy is one of the process which is been use in scintigrams (pictures) in order to detect blockages of the lymph system or any abnormal thing.
Magnetic resonance imaging is the process of making use of magnet, a computer, and a radio waves in getting series pictures of the areas inside the body system.
After the steps are taking, the affected arm or leg is been checked with the other arm or leg which is not affected. And it is been checked over time to see how it is going.
Lymphedema stages
In stage one: there is swollen of the limb which feel heavy, the stage may go away without treatment. Pressing this area will leave a pit in this area
In stage two: tissue fibrosis can develop thereby causing the limb to start feeling hard. Pressing it wont leave a pit in the swollen area
In stage three: is an advance stage, in this stage the swollen limb is large. This stage is very rare in breast cancer patients. It is usually called lymphostatic elephantiasis.
Preventive steps which can be taken by patients
if you notice any symptoms pertaining to lymphedema, make sure to inform you health care provider immediately
in preventing the infection, always keep your skin and nails clean
make sure to keep blood from pooling in the limb affected
The main aim of treating lymphedema is to control the problems that is been caused by it
Repairing the lymph system that is been destroyed is not possible, thereby treatment is been given in order to control the swelling and also prevent other possible problem from showing up. This also aid the patients to be able to keep on with their normal daily activities, to reduce the pain and increase the ability to move and make use of the limb with lymphedema.
Treatment include the following
Doing exercises
Applying bandages to the affected area so as to prevent the area from refilling with the fluid
Weight loss
Combining therapies (massage, exercises which is been managed by a well trained therapist)
With this few details, I hope the rate of lymphedema will be reduce in the society at large
For Further Reading