![]() Treating lymphedema includes exercising and movement, massages, bandage, pneumatic compression, elevating the limbs, compression garments (compression socks, compression gloves) and surgical treatments. There is no cure for lymphedema, but the early symptoms can be reduced, and the disease can be prevented in some cases. In the early stages, lymphedema is painless. In severe cases such as stage 4, lymphedema can cause pain and movement restriction. The skin suffers many problems like hyperpigmentation, wart growth, and collecting fat. The skin thickens, and it starts to develop severe limb deformity called elephantiasis. Stage 4: Severe lymphedema (elephantiasis) Applying pressure to the skin no longer leaves a print, but the skin thickens and develops fibrosis. In this stage, lymphedema becomes permanent, meaning it cannot be reduced or prevented with elevating. In this stage, you can reduce swelling by elevating your feet or by wearing compression socks or sleeves. Pitting is when an indentation, due to pressure, stays in the skin longer than expected. In this stage, the swelling will not be severe, but there may be some pitting. Mild lymphedema suggests early retention of the excess fluid. In postoperative patients or cancer survivors, it can take years for the disease to develop and to show. Stage one doesn’t usually show any signs or symptoms, even though the lymphatic system is damaged. There are 4 stages of lymphedema: Stage 1: Latent lymphedema The speed of which depends on patients, and some progress faster than others. ![]() If the disease is not treated constantly and with care, there is a chance of fast progression. So, now we have some insight on how the disease develops, but what are the stages of lymphedema? Reasons can be numerous, but the most common reasons are cancer, severe and invasive operations, cancer treatment and radiation, obesity, infections, venous diseases, or trauma. ![]() Secondary lymphedema is caused by damaged, removed or injured lymph vessels and lymphatic systems. Hereditary lymphedema III - appears in adults older than 35.Hereditary lymphedema II (Lymphedema Praecox Meige) is commonly developed at a young age, between puberty and adulthood (35 years).This type is also called Noone-Milroy syndrome or Milroy disease and can be seen in newborns when their extremities tend to swell. Congenital lymphedema (Lymphedema I)means that it is onset on birth.There are 3 types of primary lymphedema according to age. Even though there is no real evidence of primary lymphedema being a hereditary disease, it tends to run in families, classifying it as genetic. Primary lymphedema is a genetic or developmental mutation that causes impairment of lymph nodes. There are two types of lymphedema – primary and secondary. Now that we know what causes lymphedema in the legs, let’s talk about who is at risk of developing it. Within time, lymphedema can develop fibrosis (skin-thickening) or other skin diseases.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |