Lymphedema

Lymphedema Management Services

Lymphedema Management Services at Mercy Medical Center assists women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer, as well as any patient with lymphedema resulting from other causes.

What is lymphedema?   

Lymphedema is the swelling of soft tissue resulting from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid. It is a serious condition, most often affecting the arms and legs, but can also occur in the neck, head, abdomen and genitalia.  

There are two types lymphedema:   

• Primary lymphedema –  is often an undetected genetic condition, and is due to inadequate or non-functional lymphatic nodes or vessels.  
• Secondary lymphedema –  is triggered by an injury causing blockage or interruption of the lymphatic vessels through removal of lymph nodes. In the U.S., secondary lymphedema is most often caused by surgery involving the lymph nodes, cancer, trauma and radiation therapy. Frequently, it is seen after surgery for cancer of the breast or pelvic area.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

• Progressive swelling of soft tissue in the affected area 
• Restricted, painful joint movement and limited mobility
• Taut, dry skin over affected area
• Tissue beneath skin becomes hard and fibrotic, impairing flow of blood and oxygen to affected area
• Lymph fluid leaks through skin
• Recurrent infections in a limb

 

 

 

 

What treatment is available?

Lymphedema can be effectively treated and controlled. Mercy’s Lymphedema Management Services staff of highly-skilled, compassionate therapists is specially trained in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), the most effective treatment for lymphedema. It involves:

• Manual lymph drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Remedial exercise
• Meticulous skin and nail care

Lymphedema Management Services is staffed by an occupational therapist and a physical therapist trained in the Vodder technique of manual lymphatic drainage. They received their training at Lerner Lymphedema Services Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This academy offers the only such program in the U.S. that is physician-taught. Lead instructor Robert Lerner, M.D., pioneered the use of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for lymphedema. 

Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare covers CDT, and a physician's referral is required. Patients can be seen at either location, the Mercy Health Plaza or Mercy Women's Center.

For more information about lymphedema, Lymphedema Management Services, or to make an appointment, call Mercy Rehabilitation Services at 319-398-6020.

Prevention

Taking preventative steps in self-care can prevent lymphedema from developing, or keep it under control.

For a guide from the National Lymphedema Network (NLN) on lymphedema prevention in upper extremities, click here [link to form]. For an NLN guide on preventing lymphedema in lower extremities, click here [link to form].

For more information on lymphedema from the National Lymphedema Network, click here  www .lymphnet.org