Secondary Lymphedema
Resulting From Breast Cancer
Indications:
- Secondary lymphedema
- Radiation Therapy
- Node Removal
- Surgery/Mastectomy
Contraindications:
Use of pneumatic compression therapy systems is not recommended in the presence of any of the following conditions:
- Known or suspected deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
- During the inflammatory phlebitis process
- Acute infection of the affected limb, start antibiotics
- Decompensated cardiac failure/ congestive heart failure
- Severe arteriosclerosis
- Any circumstance where increased venous and lymphatic return is undesirable
See the User Manual for additional notes and precautions.
CAUTION: THIS IS A PRESCRIPTION-ONLY DEVICE. USA Federal law restricts this device to sale and use by, or on the order of, a physician.
Lymphedema is swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, also called lymph. Lymph is a watery substance given off by the cells. Under normal circumstances, it travels through the body through a system of vessels that parallel blood vessels. The lymphatic system also includes lymph nodes that serve to filter the lymph and remove waste, after which the lymph enters the bloodstream. If the lymph nodes or vessels are damaged, lymphatic fluid may accumulate in the surrounding tissues, which results in the swelling and discomfort.
Breast cancer can result in secondary lymphedema when:
- Lymph nodes from the armpit are removed for biopsy (axillary lymph node dissection)
- Surgery damages or cuts lymph vessels or nodes in the chest wall and armpit
- Scar tissue from surgery blocks the flow of lymph through lymph vessels
- Radiation causes scarring that blocks or damages lymph nodes and vessels
- Cancer cells migrate to lymph nodes, causing them to enlarge and interfere with their ability to function
- Tumors press on lymph nodes or vessels and obstruct lymph flow
Who Gets Lymphedema?
Breast or abdominal surgery can result in Secondary Lymphedema, depending on the research it is estimated that 15-20% of breast cancer patients are affected. Surgical removal of a tumor and the adjacent lymph nodes and vessels can block lymph fluid from flowing naturally through its system. Additionally, radiation therapy, trauma, and surgery can also cause damage to the lymph nodes in the upper body.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
- Arm swelling
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the affected arm
- The skin of the arm feeling taut or retaining an impression when pressed
- The arm being hard to move or less flexible
- Clothing or jewelry feeling unusually tight
- Reddening of the skin on the arm
- Weakness, pain or aching in the arm
When Does Lymphedema Show Up?
Lymphedema can occur at any point during or after treatment for breast cancer. Sometimes lymphedema is temporary, occurring just after surgery or after an injury to the arm. In other cases, it's a chronic condition that waxes and wanes over the course of one's life.
How is Lymphedema Treated?
Unfortunately, there's no outright cure for lymphedema. Instead, the condition is managed in an effort to minimize its effects by seeking to decrease the swelling, control the discomfort or pain, and avoid complications.
Lymphedema treatments include:
- Exercise: Special kinds of exercises that gently contract muscles can aid in pumping lymph fluid out of the swollen limb.
- Massage: Specially trained physical or massage therapists can provide manual lymph drainage, a series of gentle massage maneuvers that encourage lymph flow out of the affected limb. However, people who have active cancer, infections, blood clots or congestive heart failure should not undergo this form of treatment.
- Compression: Compression can also encourage the flow of lymph out of the affected arm. Compression can be provided in a number of ways, including elastic bandaging, a special compression sleeve or stocking, or the use of pneumatic compression pump.
What is Pneumatic Compression Therapy?
The system consists of a pump and an appliance (sleeve) which fits over the extremity. The compression pump has individual, overlapping bladders that inflate with air, distal to proximal, in a gradual gradient sequential fashion.
Since our lymphatic system runs distal to proximal, the use of a compression pump in essence mimics the natural lymphatic system. When the lymphatic system becomes interrupted or damaged moving lymphatic fluid becomes challenging. The gentle massaging action of a pneumatic compression device will help move lymphatic fluid for the body to process.
Pneumatic compression devices are a lightweight, easy to use, relaxing, low cost way to treat upper body lymphedema all in the comfort of your home.
Targeted Treatement
Comfysleeve™ treats the entire arm, shoulder, and one side of the back, chest and abdomen. Its sequential compressive massage action activates the lymphatics to absorb fluids and proteins as it coaxes fluids around blockages, into healthy areas for uptake.
Comfysleeve™ is designed to meet the needs of patients with upper extremity lymphedema.
- Unique design makes it easy to wear and remove.
- Treats arm, shoulder, back, chest and abdomen.
- Targeted therapy for axilla drainage.
- Calibrated gradient compression - fully adjustable to meet special needs.
- Easy to clean, for good hygiene.
Covered by Insurance
When properly prescribed by a physician or qualified healthcare provider, Medicare, workers' compensation, and many private insurance plans will cover the pneumatic compression pump.
Contact Prairie Medical for more information.
