lymphedema 1/4 Flashcards
What are some interventions used for lymphedema?
Manual lymph drainage Retrograde massage Exercise Short stretch compression bandages, compression garments Compression therapy Use of mechanical pump
What is lymphedema caused by?
Excess load of lymph fluid or an adequate transport capacity within lymphatic system
Is lymphedema following a mastectomy considered primary or secondary lymphedema?
Secondary
damage or removal to axillary lymphatic nodes and vessels during surgery
What are consequences of lymphedema is not managed?
Backflow of lymph causes further injury, chronic inflammation and progression to fibrosis
Hypoxia in tissues
Increase risk of infection
Stage III Lymphostatic elephantiasis
Globally, what is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema?
Filariasis,
a virus carried by mosquitoes in Africa, India, Malaysia
What are other causes of secondary lymphedema?
Burns
Crush injuries
Severe infection
Repeated pregnancies
What is the incidence of secondary lymphedema? Sex preference?
3 million new cases/year
30% breast cancer survivors affected
females 4:1
What are symptoms of stage I lymphedema?
Pitting edema that reduces with elevation overnight
No fibrotic changes
What are symptoms of stage II lymphedema?
Non-pitting edema that does not reduce with elevation
Some fibrotic changes
What are symptoms of stage III lymphedema?
Severe edema - non-pitting, fibrotic
Skin changes
Frequent infections
What are common complaints of patients with lymphedema?
Edema in affected area that increases the dependent positioning
Sensation of tightness or heavy
What imaging is used to diagnose Lymphedema and rule out other potential diseases?
Doppler study - rule out DVT
CT scan or MRI - rule out malignancy
Lymphoscintigram - test function of lymphatic system
What is CDT used for lymphedema?
complete decongestive therapy Philosophy of lymphatic management which includes Patient education for skin care, hygiene Bandaging Self massage Exercise
What are lifetime precautions for patients with lymphedema?
Sunburn Air travel Excessive exercise Poor nutrition Obesity
What is the prognosis for patients with lymphedema?
Progressive is left untreated
No pharmacological cure
Can be managed through intervention and education, patient must comply with home program and abide by precautions for increased risk of lymphedema
