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Is there a cure for lymphedema?

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Topics (Tags):

Radiation Side Effects Lymphedema Side Effects Breast Cancer Side Effects Lymphedema Treatment Surgery Side Effects

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Radiation Side Effects X Lymphedema X Side Effects X Breast Cancer Side Effects X Lymphedema Treatment X Surgery Side Effects X

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Answers (2)

CancerQuest (Organization (Verified) ) - 08 / 26 / 2011

Currently, there is no cure for lymphedema.
Lymphedema can be treated in several ways. Mild lymphedema can be treated by elevating the affected limb and the use of compression bandages. More severe lymphedema requires additional wrapping and is treated by lymphedema specialists. Exercise is also part of both prevention and treatment of lymphedema. Fortunately, lymphedema is less common due to the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy, which reduces the risk of lymphedema developing.

Watch a video about lymphedema and lymphedema treatment. http://www.cancerquest.org/lymphedema-introduction
Read about lymphedema treatment. http://www.cancerquest.org/treatment-for-lymphedema

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member1136 (Caregiver) - 11 / 20 / 2011

Sentinel node dissection reduces the rate of upper limb lymphedema, but the following breast irradiation brings with it an increased rate of breast lymphedema, which is more difficult to manage because of the absence of a muscle pump to aid in the draining of affected areas, the difficulty in providing compression, and the severe risk of recurrent infection (delayed breast cellulitis).

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Latest Activity: 11 / 20 / 2011
Views: 346
Followed By: 3 members