CancerQuest | Treatment for Lymphedema

Currently there is no cure for lymphedema. People at risk for lymphedema can try to prevent the development of the condition and for those that do have symptoms a combination of methods can be used to manage the disorder.

Click on the image below to watch a documentary about lymphedema.then be sure to return to read the rest of our lymphedema treatment information.

There are several different types of conservative treatment for lymphedema. These are treatments that do not use any kind of surgery or other invasive technique. It is important to remember that conservative techniques will only alleviate the symptoms of lymphedema and do not treat the underlying cause. Therefore, patients must continue their self care after treatment ends to obtain lasting results.

Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

Complex decongestive therapy is the most common way of treating lymphedema. The basis of this treatment is to apply pressure to the affected area, squeezing the lymph fluid out of the region. This is commonly called "compression" and it is done using bandages and special clothing.
CDT is the most effective method use to treat lymphedema. It combines the use of compression techniques with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), exercise, skin care, and self-care. When combined, these methods can significantly reduce swelling and maintain the health of the skin and supporting structures. This type of therapy benefits almost all patients when done properly, but it is time consuming, and can be expensive. It is important to find a properly trained therapist, but they are often difficult to find. Visit the Lymphology Association of North America for more information.

Pneumatic compression devices: these machines use air to squeeze the affected area in an effort to displace excess fluid. They do move fluid around, but most of the fluid is not pushed back into the lymphatic system. These machines have shown little or no long-term benefit. There are newer, more specialized pneumatic compression devices that have shown some ability to move fluid back into the lymphatic system.

Drugs and supplements: these types of treatment have shown benefits in some studies, but have shown no benefit in others. Their overall value is still under investigation.⁽¹⁾

Surgery: surgery is not a common treatment for lymphedema. These procedures should only be used when conservative treatments have been continually unsuccessful. If surgery is suggested, patients should be well informed. As with any medical procedure, it is wise to seek a second opinion.

Surgical removal, also called debulking, is a procedure that removes excess skin and tissue. This technique does not attempt to fix lymphatic vessels or nodes. Therefore, the primary problems remain and edema may return. This type of surgery is controversial and has been shown, in some cases, to cause serious disability and permanent disfigurement.

Microsurgery attempts to correct the underlying cause of lymphedema, by transplanting lymph nodes and restructuring lymphatic vessels. This type of procedure is experimental and there is little information available about the success or side-effects of this treatment