Manual Lymph Drainage

Ask any one who suffers from lymphedema. This condition, which describes the accumulation and retention of lymphatic fluid, is occasionally an after-effect of breast cancer treatment, and one for which there is no cure.

The lymphatic system has three main components: lymph vessels, lymph nodes located inside the lymph vessels and lymph tissue. These components are used to transport and clean lymph fluid. This fluid is colorless, comprised of white blood cells, large proteins and other particles that are too big to be absorbed into the capillary network and the bloodstream. Lymph fluid is absorbed through the lymph tissue into the lymph vessels and carried through the body. Throughout these vessels, about every 1-2 cm., are lymph nodes which purify the fluid of harmful bacteria and viruses. When this fluid is purified, it is full of proteins and white blood cells and is emptied into the bloodstream.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph nodes become damaged, and the lymph fluid collects in the arms or legs. This results in a myriad of problems for the affected limb. In breast cancer related lymphedema, it is typically the arm and/or hand closest to the breast cancer site which is affected. Women with lymphedema report a swelling, which worsens after time. They describe muscle aches, pains and a feeling of heaviness in the limb. Sometimes they cannot wear regular clothes, or use the limb normally. In extreme cases, clear fluid may leak from the skin, or the skin may feel like leather and look like the skin of an orange.

There are two breast cancer treatments which may result in lymphedema- surgery and radiation. Quite often, breast cancer surgery is accompanied by removal of some underarm lymph nodes. This is called axillary node dissection. In a radiation treatment, the lymph vessels, nodes and tissues in the underarm may be damaged, or scar tissue may form in the lymph collecting tubes and block the flow of lymph fluid. In both radiation and surgery, this damage in the underarm lymph area can result in a build-up of lymphatic fluid and swelling in the arm. One out of every four women who has breast cancer surgery will develop lymphedema, as will two out of every five women who have both surgery and radiation.

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, there are ways of treating the condition that can result in dramatic improvements. The most effective method involves a combination of treatments -- combined decongestive therapy. which includes four components - manual lymph drainage, bandaging, exercises and skin and limb care.

 Manual lymph drainage helps increase the flow of lymph fluid, and decrease blockage, by creating alternate passages for the lymph flow. A very specific form of gentle massage without lubrication, manual lymph drainage works by "clearing the area that you want the lymph to flow to" . If the blockage was in the left arm, for example, Lymphedema can be  a chronic condition. Many people have a mild form, whereas some sufferers have to wear the compression sleeve for the rest of their lives, although many progress to a point where they can remove it for traveling and other special circumstances. In all cases, exercises, skin care and limb care become an integral part of daily life. These gentle exercises help keep the arm and shoulder working normally and may be combined with physiotherapy. In terms of skin and limb care, women with lymphedema have to make sure their affected arm is kept clean and dry and avoid bruises, cuts, sunburns, insect bites and pet scratches and take special precautions when flying. In addition, they should never have blood taken from the affected arm, or wear tight jewelry or elastics around the arm.

Although lymphedema means making these significant lifestyle changes, it is a manageable condition. If you exhibit the symptoms, it is important that you seek help and begin a treatment plan that will keep them under control.

For more information on Lymphodema, contact our centre or the National Lymphedema Network at 1-800-541-3259