Lymphedema Precautions By Andrea Leonard
The amount of lymphatic fluid that is transported through the affected area is directly related to the amount of blood flow to those areas. Heavy lifting with the affected arm, extreme climatic temperatures, extreme water temperatures (when bathing, showering, or hot tubs and saunas), sunburn, and vigorous repetitive movements against resistance, all of which will increase blood and lymphatic flow to the affected area, should be avoided. When a post-operative node dissection patient is fighting off an infection there will typically be an increase in lymphatic load as well as a decrease in transport capacity. Cellulitis and lymphangitis can inflame the lymphatic vessels, making them dysfunctional to transport lymphatic fluid.
When you are traveling by airplane, it is important to wear a fitted sleeve or stocking due to pressure changes which allow fluid to pool in the extremities. Due to the lack of movement during flight, the vessels which normally pump the lymph towards the regional lymph nodes are working at a very low level. Therefore, it is not only important to wear compression garments, but to move around the cabin whenever possible to prevent the pooling that can increase lymphatic load. While each of these precautions, as well as those listed on the following pages, make perfect sense, there are several other factors that can also influence a potential lymphedema outcome. These include, but are not limited to, the number of lymph nodes that were removed from a given location, the extent of surgical disruption, the amount of lymphatic scarring from radiation, and the degree of obesity.
Lymphedema is swelling produced by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissue. For breast cancer patients, the swelling occurs in the arm of the affected side due to damage to the lymph vessels in the armpit area caused by the removal of the axillary lymph nodes or from radiation to that area. The job of the lymphatic vessels is to drain fluid from the tissue cells in the body, along with protein molecules, bacteria, cellular waste products, and other unusable matter. This protein-rich fluid, called lymph once it is in the lymphatic system, travels in one direction: toward the heart. It is transported through the lymphatic vessels to the lymph nodes, where it is filtered and cleansed before returning to the venous system and moving on to the heart. In the heart, the fluid is simply returned to the blood to be recirculated by the body.
If the lymphatic system has been injured, as in the case of a lymph node dissection or radiotherapy, the lymph can become backed up. If untreated, the backed-up fluid can provide a breeding ground for bacteria that can result in infection and can delay wound healing. A long-term accumulation of this fluid eventually results in thick and hardened tissues (fibrosis), which creates further resistance to draining the fluid from the limb. While lymphedema may not occur immediately after surgery, it can occur at any time during the rest of your life after cancer treatment. Sometimes extensive trauma can be the contributing factor while at other times it may be due to a bug bite, cat scratch, or burn. Radiotherapy also increases the chance of developing lymphedema. Radiotherapy is generally recommended to patients with a high risk of recurrence of cancer, such as those who have large, aggressive tumors. It is also recommended for those whose lymph nodes test positive for cancer cells or show an incidence of microscopic residual disease after surgery. In most cases when breast conserving surgery is performed, radiotherapy is given to the rest of the breast tissue. Even after a modified radical mastectomy, radiotherapy is recommended if a patient is at high risk. Because lymph nodes are radiosensitive, radiotherapy depletes the lymphocytes in the nodes and decreases their filtering function and immune function.
Lymphedema can only affect the arm where the nodes have been irradiated, not the overall immune system. After radiotherapy, the nodes become scarred and fibrotic, increasing the potential for blockage. Upwards of five percent of breast cancer patients are afflicted with lymphedema during their first year after surgery. The lifelong rate for affliction is between 8-30%. Although this example pertains to breast cancer and an axillary node dissection, it is important to remember that if you have undergone a lymph node dissection or radiation for any type of cancer, you are at risk for lymphedema in that part of your body. With proper education and care lymphedema can be avoided or, if it develops, kept well under control. Older individuals and those with poor nutrition face an increased risk; as do individuals with infections.
Removal of the nodes and damage to the area prevent the lymph fluid in the arm from draining properly, allowing it to accumulate in the tissue by restricting pathways and causing back-up. It has been well documented that the development of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy is related to the extent of the lymph node dissection, the extent of the breast surgery, and whether radiotherapy is given to the axilla. When breast conservation surgery is performed without radiotherapy or an axillary node dissection, there is no risk of lymphedema. If lymphedema goes untreated, it can result in decreased arm function, decreased range of motion in the arm and shoulder, decreased finger function and numbness in the hand, and swelling of the entire arm, hand, and fingers. In addition, this damage may result in pain and tightness in the area as the lymph vessels close up, tighten, and sometimes snap.
Guarding against infection is extremely important because the affected arm will be more susceptible to infection than the unaffected arm; and infection can cause increased swelling. If you notice any signs of infection contact your doctor immediately. These signs include swelling, fever, or skin that is red, tender, warm, persistently itchy or blotchy. There are three categories for grading lymphedema; grade one, two, and three. In grade one, when the skin is pressed the pressure will leave a pit that takes some time to fill back in. This is referred to as pitting edema. Sometimes the swelling can be reduced by elevating the limb for a few hours. There is little or no fibrosis at this stage, so it is usually reversible. In grade two, when the swollen area is pressed, it does not pit and the swelling is not reduced very much by elevation. If left untreated the tissue of the limb gradually hardens and becomes fibrotic. In grade three the lymphedema is often referred to as elephantiasis. It occurs almost exclusively in the legs after progressive, long-term, and untreated lymphedema. At this stage there may be gross changes to the skin. There may even be some leakage of fluid through the tissue in the affected area, especially if there is a cut or sore. While lymphedema will respond to treatment, at this stage it is rarely reversible.
Lymphedema is a very serious condition and should not be taken lightly. It frequently results in complications, such as lymphangitis (a bacterial infection of the lymphatic system), skin changes, fibrosis, and infection. There are even a few life-threatening complications. Although rare, the development of a rare type of cancer, lymphangiosarcoma, is possible in the affected area. This can occur in patients with long-term, untreated, or improperly treated lymphedema. Unfortunately, this condition requires immediate amputation. Lymphedema may worsen with time if it is not attended to. It can become disabling by stiffening the joints or making the limbs heavy, and may cause significant cosmetic deformities.
USING COMPRESSION BANDAGES
Compression bandages apply external pressure to a swollen limb. When swelling has persisted in an area, the tissue loses some of its elasticity and does not return to its’ original position and shape, even when the fluid decreases. The bandages support the skin and underlying blood vessels. Bandaging usually starts with gauze tape at the fingers and then continues with a series of different sized short-stretch bandages around the hand, progressing up the arm to within a short distance of the shoulder. The number of bandages used depends on the size of the arm and how effectively the compression is achieved. Many therapists recommend wearing the bandages while sleeping, as well as anytime that you are engaging in physical activity or exercising. In addition to bandaging, most patients should be fitted with a compression sleeve that is worn during the day time. The garments are not designed to reduce swelling, however, but to maintain the size of the limb and prevent swelling from increasing. Some patients will use a sleeve when flying on an airplane in order to reduce their chances of getting lymphedema due to the changes in cabin pressure.
EXERCISE AND LYMPHEDEMA
One of the most important and often over looked components of exercise is breathing. Not only does breathing allow precious oxygen to be circulated through the bloodstream, but it is also effective for moving fluid through a gentle pumping action of the abdominal muscles. The fluid is pumped through the central lymphatic vessel in the chest cavity, stimulating the flow of lymph. When you breathe in using your abdominal muscles, the pressure in the chest cavity changes, because the belly breath moves your diaphragm. When you exhale, the pressure changes once again. This back-and-forth alternation in the pressure acts like a pump on the large lymphatic trunk that runs up through the chest cavity and drains into the venous system of the neck.
Here’s how; sit in an upright position. Take a deep breath through your nose and exhale through your mouth, flattening your belly and squeezing out every last bit of air. Emptying the lungs completely and removing all of the stale air from the bottom of the lungs automatically stimulates a diaphragmatic breath. Breathe in through your nose and notice how your belly expands. Repeat the sequence again. Let the air out through your mouth, making sure your belly flattens. Try another one or two breaths this way. If you get light-headed, try to slow down your inhalation, and pause before breathing in again. It is not necessary to breath with a giant breath – just one that goes to the bottom of your lungs, while your chest remains still. Imagine a balloon in your stomach that inflates when you inhale and deflates when you exhale.
Everyone knows the benefits of exercise for seemingly healthy individuals, but they carry even more a punch for those suffering from lymphedema. Generally speaking, those who exercise have a lower percentage of body fat. Keeping body fat in check can actually help to prevent lymphedema. Fat can be a special problem with an impaired lymphatic system. Fat is deposited in the interstitial tissue and can make it more difficult for the fluid to pass through and into the lymph vessels. The lymphatic system is stimulated by the pumping action of the blood vessels, as well as the pumping action of muscles, so anything one does to improve their circulatory system will be helpful for the lymphatic system.
A good exercise goal, for aerobic activity, is thirty minutes three or four times a week. Choose an exercise that will allow you to mildly increase your heart rate without “over-doing” it. It is important that you wear your support garment (if one has been prescribed for you) or bandage while exercising. Bandages increase pressure against the skin during exercise. The pressure, coupled with the contraction of your muscles, encourages the lymph to move. Exercise, in and of itself, will help to pump the muscles, improve circulation, and move lymph from congested areas into an area where it can drain more efficiently. It is important to start out very slowly with few repetitions and wait until the next day to see how the affected limb has responded. You can gradually increase your repetitions, based on what the limb will tolerate. Take your time and use good form and posture.
WARNING SIGNS TO STOP EXERCISING
• When you have a fever.
• If you experience chest pain.
• If you experience sudden shortness of breath or unusual fatigue.
• If you have recurring leg pain or cramps.
• If you experience an acute onset of nausea during exercise.
• If you feel disoriented or confused.
• If you have had recent bone, back, or neck pain that is not relieved with rest.
• If you have an irregular heartbeat.
PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID UPPER EXTREMITY LYMPHEDEMA
• Avoid insect bites, burns, skin irritants, hangnails, and torn cuticles (wearing gloves while doing housework or gardening is a great idea).
• Avoid tight fitting jewelry on the affected arm or hand.
• Wear loose fitting clothing on arms, chest, and shoulders.
• Don’t overheat – avoid saunas, whirlpools, steam rooms, hot baths, and sun bathing.
• Don’t receive shots, have blood drawn, or have blood pressure taken on affected arm.
• If you are overweight and have experienced swelling, losing weight can help reduce it by reducing the amount of fatty tissue which retains fluid and blocks lymphatic pathways.
• Remember that tennis, racquetball, golf, and bowling are al considered risky sports.
• Keep the at-risk arm(s) spotlessly clean and use lotion after bathing.
• Avoid repetitive movements such as scrubbing, pushing, or pulling, with the at-risk arm.
• Avoid heavy lifting with the affected or at-risk arm. Never carry heavy handbags or bags with over-the-shoulder straps on the affected arm.
• When traveling by air, patients with lymphedema, or those who are at risk, must wear a well-fitted compression sleeve.
• Use an electric razor when shaving armpits.
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