Use a thimble when sewing. Avoid vigorous, repetitive movements against resistance, such as scrubbing, pulling or pushing, with the affected arm. Avoid sunburns and other burns to the affected arm. Use an electric shaver when shaving underarms. Wear gloves when gardening and when using strong household detergents. Do not wear nightgowns or clothing with elastic cuffs.
Carry your handbag or heavy packages in the unaffected arm. Make sure that all injections are given and blood tests are drawn in the unaffected arm. If at all possible, have all blood pressure tests done on the unaffected arm. Avoid extreme hot or cold temperatures on the affected arm, such as heating pads or ice packs. Notify your doctor immediately of any signs of infection, such as redness, pain, heat, increased swelling or fever.
Talk with your doctor about what you can do to try to prevent lymphedema from happening to you. If lymphedema does develop, let your doctor know right away. There are things you can do to try to keep it from getting worse. Lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage in the lymphatic system. This is most often caused by a traumatic event, such as sports injuries or deep cuts and bruises, as an aftereffect of surgery or cancer treatment.
More rarely, lymphedema can occur as birth defect or symptom of infection. Some women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer develop lymphedema after their treatment. There are no specific diagnostic tests for lymphedema. The doctor will complete a medical history and physical examination. The medical history may include questions regarding the following:. Past surgeries. Problems following the surgeries. Onset of symptoms When did the swelling appear?
History of edema severe swelling. Current medications. Leg lymphedema Lymphedema is swelling in an arm or a leg. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Frontera WR, et al. Elsevier; Accessed May 19, Jameson JL, et al. Chronic venous disease and lymphedema. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw Hill; Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Mehrara B. Clinical features and diagnosis of peripheral lymphedema.
Mayo Clinic; The swelling from lymphedema might dull pain from an injury or burn, so don't use heating pads on the affected limb. Moisturize your skin daily. Lymphedema care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis If you're at risk of lymphedema — for instance, if you've recently had cancer surgery involving your lymph nodes — your doctor may diagnose lymphedema based on your signs and symptoms.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Frontera WR, et al. Elsevier; Accessed May 19, Jameson JL, et al.
It's important that lymphoedema is identified and treated as soon as possible. If it is not treated, it can get worse. The main symptom of lymphoedema is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. It can be difficult to fit into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight.
At first, the swelling may come and go. It may get worse during the day and go down overnight. Without treatment, it will usually become more severe and persistent. Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The main functions of the lymphatic system are helping fight infection and draining excess fluid from tissues. Lymphoedema is thought to affect more than , people in the UK.
Primary lymphoedema is rare and is thought to affect around 1 in every 6, people. Secondary lymphoedema is much more common. Secondary lymphoedema affects around 2 in 10 people with breast cancer , and 5 in 10 people with vulval cancer. About 3 in every 10 people with penile cancer get lymphoedema.
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