ASK THE DOCTOR               

Patrick Dolan, M.D, board certified in general surgery, St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center

What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the accumulation of fluid, which causes swelling most often in the arms and legs but occasionally in other parts of the body.

How is it caused?
It generally occurs when the lymphatic system cannot drain properly. Patients may experience this swelling after surgical removal or radiation of lymph nodes for bladder, breast, colon and prostate cancer. It can also occur after a patient experiences infection or trauma.

What are the symptoms?

• Persistent swelling
• A full sensation in the limb Skin that feels taut
• Decreased flexibility
• Difficulty fitting into clothing

Lymphedema develops in three stages. The first stage occurs when you can press a fingertip into the affected area and the indentation made remains there. Tissue affected by lymphedemain the second stage will have a spongy feeling, and the limb will increase in size and become inflexible. At the third stage the swelling is irreversible, the limb is quite large and the affected tissue is hard.

How is lymphedema treated?
If an infection has set in, the first action is to prescribe antiobiotics. If there is no infection, lymphedema can be eased by:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Bandaging
• Proper skin care and diet
• Compression garments
• Exercise