Lymphedema

Advocacy for Lymphedema Insurance Coverage Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've had lymphedema for 7 years, following removal of a tumor in the right axilla. I've had recurring cellulitis and was hospitalized last month. I've had manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in the past, but according to...
Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording) Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a lymph node dissection and have developed lymphedema (mild), but have a painful condition which my physical therapist says is called roping or cording. The nerves were injured during surgery. I cannot find...
Body Mass Index and Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does a person’s weight affect risk for lymphedema? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: Body mass index is a number used to evaluate weight. (BMI calculator) Researchers have seen...
Cellulitis in the Presence of Lymphedema? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After having right axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiation concluding in January for local recurrent melanoma, I developed lymphedema and what they believe is cellulitis. It took me probably 2-3 weeks...
How do I Find a Certified Lymphedema Therapist? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My physician has recommended treatment from a lymphedema specialist. How can I make sure the person is qualified? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor,...
Is there a test for lymphedema? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are there any diagnostics that can be done to better define (or stage) lymphedema for more specific treatment recommendations? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema...
Lower Extremity Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you tell me the current data on the incidence of lymphedema in the legs and genitals following surgery, external and internal radiation and chemotherapy for uterine cancer? Is there good documentation? Linda...
Lymph after Node Removal Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Where does the lymph of the left arm go when the axillary nodes have been removed?Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds: Lymph node removal and...
Lymphedema Alert Bracelets Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I just read the inquiry about using a bracelet to alert caregivers about not using the surgical arm. For several years, I have been distributing alert bracelets to patients at our medical center. The bracelet we use...
Prevención de la Linfedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," If a person were treated for breast cancer four years ago andhad taken every precaution to avoid lymphedema, but recently had her blood pressure taken multiple times on the arm that was on the same side as the cancer,...
Lymphedema Therapies During or After Cellulitis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have question about compression garment usage. I am currently treating cellulitis of an arm that has lymphedema and was told by my massage person that she could not do any lymphatic massage until a month after this...
Recurrent Cellulitic Infections and Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've had lymphedema for 7 years, following removal of a tumor in the right axilla. I've had recurring cellulitis and was hospitalized last month. Is it true that each episode of cellulitis makes the lymphedema worse?...
Self-Care for the Person with Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I developed lymphedema after a hysterectomy, with lymph node dissection 1 year ago. What are the precautions I should be taking in caring for my swollen leg? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab...
Shoulder Problems and Lymphedema Risk Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Having had left mastectomy and lymph node dissection 12 years ago, I understand [that] I will always have a risk of lymphedema in my left arm. After several months of left shoulder pain and decreasing range of...
Staging System for Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there a staging system for lymphedema?Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:The International Society of Lymphology has established a staging...
What is Complete Decongestive Therapy? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have had a radical hysterectomy for gyn-related cancer. I am experiencing severe abdominal swelling. My doctor has recommended complete decongestive therapy. Can you explain what is involved with that? Linda...