Lymphedema

What Is Lymphedema?
Suggested Precautions
Risk Reductions
Lymphedema Tests
Lymphedema Alert Bracelet
Articles and Videos

Site Map

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can occur when a clear fluid, known as lymphatic fluid, builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg.

There are two types of lymphedema:

Inherited lymphedema

Acquired lymphedema

Symptoms:

• Aching, weakness, redness, heaviness, or tightness in one of your limbs

• Less flexibility in your wrist or ankle

• Tight-fitting rings or shoes

Tests For Lymphedema:

• Lymphoscintigraphy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Computed tomography (CT) scanning
• Duplex ultrasound
• Lymphangiography

Click Here For More Information on Lymphedema

back to top

Suggested Precautions

These suggested precautions can help to prevent or minimize symptoms:

• Clean your affected limb regularly, remembering to dry it thoroughly and apply lotion

• Wear gloves while gardening and cooking

• If you shave the affected area, use an electric razor

• Don't go barefoot

• Do not cross your legs when you sit

• Do not carry a handbag with your affected arm

Avoid having injections and blood pressure readings performed on your affected limb.

Also wear a special bracelet or necklace to notify medical personnel of your risk for lymphedema and the risk for complications: infection.

Click Here For More Information Tests

back to top

Risk Reduction

Risk Reduction Practices.

Illustration of Lymph Nodes

Illustration of Blood Vessels and Lymph Nodes

Illustration of Lymph Node Structure

back to top

Lymphedema Tests

Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning: VascularWeb
http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/CT_Scan.html
Duplex Ultrasound: VascularWeb
http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Duplex_Ultrasound.html
Lymphoscintigraphy: RadiologyInfo
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=lympho&bhcp=1
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): VacularWeb
http://www.vascularweb.org/patients/NorthPoint/Magnetic_Resonance_Angiography.html

back to top

Alert Bracelet

Emergency Care personnel need to be advised of your condition. Many people feel they do not need to wear a bracelet, but if you are unconscious - nobody will know! Be pro-active with your Lymphedema:

National Lymphedema Network
http://www.shop.lymphnet.org/product.sc?categoryId=7&productId=190

If you are going to have surgery and want a bright bracelet to alert surgical staff:
Peninsula Medical offers a free wristband:
http://www.lymphedema.com/alertband.htm

back to top