Lymphedema: swelling of the legs after cancer treatment

Lymphoedema is usually associated with breast cancer: as a rule, swelling of the hands, resulting after treatment. However, this violation can occur in men and women receiving treatment for other cancers. For example, swelling of the feet are sometimes one of the effects of therapy.

Lymphedema - a swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph in the soft tissues. Lymph - a liquid that carries the immune cells (mainly lymphocytes) and lymphatic system - a network through which the immune system works. Small bean-shaped organs - lymph nodes - produce and filter lymph fluid, cleaning it from bacteria and various harmful substances. For immune cells lymph nodes - something like resting places. When the lymph nodes were removed, lymph accumulates in the surrounding tissue, resulting in a swelling which can cause discomfort and even pain. Lymphoedema can also slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection in the area of ​​edema.

Causes and risk factors

The most common causes of leg edema Swelling of the legs - do not leave without attention   cancer treatment are:

• Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the groin area, especially in the treatment of pelvic cancers (prostate, testicles, cervix, ovary, uterus, and vulva). Such an operation may be necessary, and in various tumors formed on the legs, such as melanoma;
• Radiotherapy lymph nodes of the groin;
• The spread of cancer to the lymph nodes or swelling in the abdomen, blocking the flow of lymph.

Swelling of the legs may appear in a few days or weeks after treatment. This is often months or even years later. Sometimes lymphedema is not associated with cancer or applied for its treatment therapies. By the formation of edema can result, for example, infection or trauma lymph nodes.

Risk factors for the development of lymphedema are: removal of or damage to multiple lymph nodes in the treatment of cancer, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle, an infection or a history of leg injuries.

Symptoms

Lymphoedema may appear on one or both legs. He is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• A feeling of heaviness, "fullness" in the legs - while swelling may not yet be visible;
• Feeling that the pants, socks and shoes have become too small to you;
• Discomfort or pain in the legs;
• Redness of the skin;
• The skin seems to feel unusually hot;
• The skin on the feet becomes more dense, tight, as if it is stretched;
• Weakness or decreased flexibility of the legs.

Lymph swelling of the legs, appearing shortly after the end of treatment of cancer, usually have mild symptoms, and tested for a few weeks. More common chronic lymphedema, which causes significant patient discomfort.

Check with your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Treatment

The standard view of the treatment of lymphatic leg edema is complex decongestive therapy, which the patient goes under the guidance of an experienced physical therapist or other professional, specially trained on the use of this type of therapy. This type of treatment, which is also called complex decongestive physiotherapy, including:

• Skin care. The patient receives instructions how to clean the skin of the feet, which were formed lymph edema as it moisturize, but also prevent the development of infection (with chronic lymphedema risk of infection is quite high).
• Manual lymphatic drainage. This technique includes a gentle massage, which promotes the outflow of lymph.
• Compression. Specialist imposes on its feet several layers of elastic bandages or patient selects the appropriate compression stockings Compression stockings - check with your doctor That he will be able to wear your own. Also can be used to treat air compression pump. This pump has a special "collar", which is fixed around the leg. With it at regular intervals foot compress - in a similar way, but without any intervals are compression stockings. In some patients, treatment with a pump can cause deterioration, so it can only appoint experienced professionals.
• Exercises. A physical therapist will show the patient specific exercises that will help to restore and increase the range of motion of joints of legs, and strengthen muscles. Sometimes during exercise is recommended to wear compression bandages or stockings.

Additionally, patients with lymphedema of feet can be assigned to treatments for related violations - such as antibiotics (for those who have developed a bacterial infection) or painkillers. Surgery is used only for the treatment of severe lymphedema, when all other treatments are ineffective.

Some studies have shown that the lymphatic edema can be treated with certain food additives Food additives - basic classification . However, these additives can cause side effects, and moreover, they are not always compatible with the drugs, which are accepted by the patient. Before taking any supplements, be sure to consult with your doctor.

Additional care for patients with lymphedema

In addition to therapy, patients should follow the recommendations listed below in order to prevent an aggravation of lymphedema.

• Physical exercise. Loads stimulate lymphatic drainage, but some patients have excessively intense exercise can lead to deterioration. Therefore, it is desirable to choose a moderate load - such as walking, cycling, or swimming. Talk with your doctor before embarking on a more intense workout. Find out what exercises are safe for you, and whether you need to wear compression stockings on exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Those who are overweight, losing weight will help lower the risk of worsening of lymphedema.
• Above legs. During leisure lift the legs higher - on the couch, for example, or simply puts them under a couple of pillows.
• Protect your skin. Every day, apply a moisturizer to the skin to prevent flaking and cracking. Carefully avoid cuts, burns, scratches and any other damage to the skin on the feet (including - on the feet). If you shave your legs, use an electric razor - they are the most secure. Before you go out, put on your skin cream with SPF 15 or higher. If you still have damaged the skin on your feet, wash cuts or scrapes with soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment.
• Avoid very high and very low temperatures. Do not take a hot bath and do not go to the bath Sauna and health: the benefits and harms of bath procedures . Take only moderately warm shower, and do not make any hot or cold compresses.
• Most change the position of the body. Try not to sit or stand for a few hours at a time. When you sit, do not put your foot on the leg.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Shoes and socks in any case, should not put pressure on the legs. Do not wear sandals without backs. Best closed shoes, as it protects the foot.
• Celebrate the changes. If swelling increases, the skin on the legs blush, or will any other new symptoms, consult a doctor. The same must be done with signs of infection, such as pain, heat sensation in the legs, and increased body temperature.