Worldwide there are a number of pathologies that are both silent and often unknown. Among these is Lymphedema, a disease that affects thousands of patients in the world, manifesting itself with an increase in the volume of some parts of the body, the product of fluid accumulation, in some cases from birth, while in others, as a result of surgery or infection.
In order to raise awareness about this unknown pathology, World Lymphedema Day is commemorated on March 6, seeking to make a disease visible. But what is it and how does it affect patients? In general terms, Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid, also called Lymph, in one or several sectors of the body, mainly lower and/or upper extremities.
Like other pathologies, there is not only one type of Lymphedema, but it is divided into two: Primary Lymphedema, which is congenital, so the patient is born with a malformation of the lymphatic system, such as fewer blood vessels or nodes. While Secondary Lymphedema is damage to the lymphatic system and occurs as a result of oncological surgery, the most common being surgery for breast cancer, or for some infection or other types of surgical interventions.
Symptoms, treatments and prevention
One of the main symptoms of Lymphedema is inflammation of different parts of the body, which starts mildly but increases over time. “Added to this, the skin feels tighter and with a numb sensation. Another of the symptoms, and the result of fluid accumulation, is that the body feels heavier, and the use of accessories such as bracelets or necklaces causes the blood to not circulate correctly,” explains Ledda Pérez, a kinesiologist who is part of the team. multidisciplinary of the International Oncotherapies Institute Chile (@ioilipedemachile) and experts in the treatment of this disease in our country.
Although there is no cure for Lymphedema, there are different treatments to improve the quality of life of patients such as massages, exercises, surgery, among others. The main thing is to see a specialist so that he can carry out the corresponding tests and diagnose the disease, after which the appropriate treatment for each patient is sought.
Despite the fact that Lymphedema is a disease with which some patients are born, or are the result of major surgeries to treat cancer, doctors advise certain prevention tips in order to keep the disease under control. Among these are:
- Keep skin clean and moisturized
- Take care of nails and skin from any infection, such as mycosis on the feet, insect bites, sunburn, etc.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or accessories
- In the event of any wound, clean it immediately and treat it appropriately
In our country, the International Oncotherapies Institute Chile has specialized in the treatment of this disease, with a multidisciplinary team of professionals that focuses on different areas in order to improve the quality of life of patients with lymphedema from their diagnosis.
The results are visible even from the first session and already after the third, they are highly noticeable, mainly in the reduction of inflation in the affected area.
