Lymphedema

What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is made up of lymph (a clear fluid), lymph vessels and lymph nodes. It is responsible for returning excess fluid - including waste products, bacteria and viruses - from tissues back into the circulatory system. The lymph nodes filter the waste and toxins from the lymph fluid and produce lymphocytes, which are important in fighting infection and assisting the body's immune defense.

What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid which causes swelling. This most often occurs in the arm(s) and/or leg(s). This occurs when the lymphatic system has been damaged or becomes deficient and is no longer able to transport the lymph fluid adequately. It usually starts slowly and worsens over time. Primary lymphedema is due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema is often caused by surgery, radiation, trauma or infection.

How do I know if I have lymphedema?
The most common symptoms associated with lymphedema include:
- Decreased flexibility in the limb
- A sensation of fullness, tightness or heaviness in the limb
- Tightly fitting clothing or jewelry on the limb
- Slight to severe swelling in the limb
- Frequent infections
**Early diagnosis and treatment improves your prognosis.

How can I prevent lymphedema?
There are several identified "triggers" of lymphedema that include infections, over-exertion and over-heating. Avoiding these triggers is an important measure that can be taken. A lymphedema therapist can provide important information and education to help you avoid occurrence and symptoms of lymphedema. To see the lymphedema therapist request a prescription/referral from your physician for a one time education session. At that session, baseline measurements of your affected extremity will be taken, as well as education and discussion of any other concerns the patient has.

What kind of treatment is available?
Unfortunately, once the lymphatic system has been damaged, it cannot heal itself; therefore, there is no cure for lymphedema. It can, however, be treated and managed. The most beneficial treatment is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT reduces swelling and helps patients manage the condition. CDT consists of:
- Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - a gentle manual treatment technique used to stimulate the lymphatic system and r
reroute the lymph fluid around blocked areas and into healthy lymph vessels and nodes
- Compression Bandagingprevents the re-accumulation of fluid and conserves the results achieved during MLD, as
well as softens hardened tissues
- Therapeutic Exercisesspecific exercises that use muscle action to stimulate lymph flow
- Meticulous Skin and Nail Careto decrease the risk of infections

Ideally, patients receive therapy 5 days per week until the decrease in swelling has plateaued. This will typically take an average of 2-4 weeks. During therapy the patient is fitted with a compression garment to be worn daily and is instructed in a home program to maintain the decrease in swelling that results from therapy.

What if I feel I need treatment for lymphedema?
You first need to get a referral/prescription from your physician. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 404.778.4529.

LYMPHEDEMA CLINIC
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
1365 Clifton Road NE,
Building C, T104
Atlanta, GA 30322
Phone: 404.778.4529
Fax: 404.778.3670

PHYSICIANS & PROVIDERS RESEARCHERS PATIENTS & FAMILIES Home About Winship Clinical Trials Employment Fellowship Program Support Winship News & Events Contact Us Search Employee Login Advancing the Possibilities	Lymphedema What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is made up of lymph (a clear fluid), lymph vessels and lymph nodes. It is responsible for returning excess fluid - including waste products, bacteria and viruses - from tissues back into the circulatory system. The lymph nodes filter the waste and toxins from the lymph fluid and produce lymphocytes, which are important in fighting infection and assisting the body's immune defense. What is lymphedema? Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid which causes swelling. This most often occurs in the arm(s) and/or leg(s). This occurs when the lymphatic system has been damaged or becomes deficient and is no longer able to transport the lymph fluid adequately. It usually starts slowly and worsens over time. Primary lymphedema is due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema is often caused by surgery, radiation, trauma or infection. How do I know if I have lymphedema? The most common symptoms associated with lymphedema include: - Decreased flexibility in the limb - A sensation of fullness, tightness or heaviness in the limb - Tightly fitting clothing or jewelry on the limb - Slight to severe swelling in the limb - Frequent infections Early diagnosis and treatment improves your prognosis. How can I prevent lymphedema? There are several identified "triggers" of lymphedema that include infections, over-exertion and over-heating. Avoiding these triggers is an important measure that can be taken. A lymphedema therapist can provide important information and education to help you avoid occurrence and symptoms of lymphedema. To see the lymphedema therapist request a prescription/referral from your physician for a one time education session. At that session, baseline measurements of your affected extremity will be taken, as well as education and discussion of any other concerns the patient has. What kind of treatment is available? Unfortunately, once the lymphatic system has been damaged, it cannot heal itself; therefore, there is no cure for lymphedema. It can, however, be treated and managed. The most beneficial treatment is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT reduces swelling and helps patients manage the condition. CDT consists of: - Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) - a gentle manual treatment technique used to stimulate the lymphatic system and r reroute the lymph fluid around blocked areas and into healthy lymph vessels and nodes - Compression Bandagingprevents the re-accumulation of fluid and conserves the results achieved during MLD, as well as softens hardened tissues - Therapeutic Exercisesspecific exercises that use muscle action to stimulate lymph flow - Meticulous Skin and Nail Careto decrease the risk of infections Ideally, patients receive therapy 5 days per week until the decrease in swelling has plateaued. This will typically take an average of 2-4 weeks. During therapy the patient is fitted with a compression garment to be worn daily and is instructed in a home program to maintain the decrease in swelling that results from therapy. What if I feel I need treatment for lymphedema?** You first need to get a referral/prescription from your physician. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 404.778.4529. LYMPHEDEMA CLINIC RADIATION ONCOLOGY 1365 Clifton Road NE, Building C, T104 Atlanta, GA 30322 Phone: 404.778.4529 Fax: 404.778.3670
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