About Lymphedema

The term edema refers to the accumulation of an excessive amount of fluid in cells, tissues, or organs, and is clinically characterized by swelling. A variety of conditions can produce edema, including chronic venous insufficiency, infection, and trauma. Lymphedema is a progressive condition that occurs when the lymphatic transport system falls below the capacity needed to handle the fluids that normally leak from the blood vessels into the lymph system. The obstruction of lymphatic vessels leads to an accumulation of fluid and subsequent swelling of subcutaneous tissue.

Although lymphedema can develop in any area where the normal flow of lymph fluid has been interrupted, it is most commonly seen in the extremities, and almost always occurs directly under the skin (subcutaneous). Lymphedema can develop in the head or neck region, upper and lower extremities, chest, back, breast, body cavities, pelvic region, and genitals. The severity of lymphedema ranges from mild swelling to severe, massive swelling that can be associated with life-threatening complications.

If lymphedema remains untreated, swelling becomes more severe and the risk of complications rises significantly. Complications of untreated lymphedema may include:

  • Recurrent infections, especially cellulitis (skin infection) and/or lymphangitis (infection of the lymphatic vessels)
  • Progressive, structural damage to the lymphatic vessels
  • Cosmetic body changes
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pain due to pressure on nerves near the swollen limb
  • Lymphangiosarcoma - cancer of the lymphatic system

Clinical signs of lymphedema can include:

  • Localized swelling of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
  • Subcutaneous tissue changes such as fibrosis, scaly, rough, or elevated skin
  • Positive "Stemmers" sign - skin between 2nd and 3rd toes or fingers cannot be lifted up
  • Reduced joint flexibility
  • Increased skin turgor
  • Breakdown of the skin leading to leakage of lymph fluid through the skin in advanced lymphedema.

It is important for patients to be full partners in their treatment with their health care providers and to actively participate in all aspects of their own rehabilitation since they need to identify and carry out measures to minimize or prevent serious complications. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is for patients to become highly knowledgeable about lymphedema and the various treatment options. Management of lymphedema is a life-long endeavor and the more familiar patients are with the condition, its treatment, and parameters of risk, the better and more effectively they can control the symptoms.

The treatment of lymphedema is individualized for each patient and depends on numerous factors including the location and severity of the swelling, the presence of any complications, and the overall health status of the patient.

In general, the treatment options for patients with lymphedema include:

  • Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy
  • Pneumatic pumps
  • Drug therapy
  • Surgical therapy


The Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema is a unique, comprehensive patient education resource that contains vital information about Lymphedema that you won't find anywhere else in a single resource. The Guidebook will answer many of your questions about this condition that your healthcare provider may not have the time to answer. To learn more about the Guidebook, please click here
 

About the Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Lymphedema, it's important to learn as much as you possibly can about this condition so that you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

The Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema is a unique and comprehensive patient education resource that contains vital information about Lymphedema that you won't find anywhere else in a single source. Available both as a Soft-Cover Book and as an E-Book (PDF), the Guidebook will answer many of your questions about Lymphedema, including:

  • The causes and risk factors for Lymphedema.
  • The clinical signs and symptoms.
  • The diagnostic tests and procedures that are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Lymphedema.
  • The standard treatments and the treatment options currently available for the management of Lymphedema.
  • The impact of Lymphedema on quality of life.
  • The latest clinical and research advances for Lymphedema as reported in credible, trustworthy medical journals.
  • A directory of doctors and medical centers that have special interest and clinical expertise in the management of patients with Lymphedema.
  • A listing of organizations where patients can seek additional information, services, and support.

Whether you've been newly diagnosed with Lymphedema or have suffered with it for several years, the Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema can serve as a valuable resource to help you better understand and cope with this condition. When you purchase your copy of either the Soft-Cover Book or the E-Book (PDF), you will also receive Free Updates for one-year.

Thousands of satisfied customers have purchased the Medifocus Guidebook on Lymphedema for themselves, a loved one, and even their healthcare provider. Their Testimonials are a tribute to the quality of the work product that our editorial staff has created. With a customer-satisfaction rating of over 98%, we're so confident that you will be satisfied with your purchase that we offer an iron-clad Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee. To learn more about the content, please download a Free Preview of the Guidebook that will enable you to review an abbreviated version of the individual sections.

Testimonials

Lymphedema is a rare condition... and my specific type of lymphedema (congenital lymphedema) is even more rare. Your Guidebook covered the recommendations for treatment with a thoroughness I've seen nowhere else. Thank you for taking the time to offer current information about Lymphedema that empowers me to take control of my health care.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thanks for a chance to say a few words about your MediFocus Guidebook. When unexplained illness hit me, I didn't know what it was or what to ask my doctor. Then I purchased your Guidebook and that made all the difference. When I arrived with a list of pointed questions, the doctor spent more time with me than before and I felt comfortable understanding the diagnosis and treatment. Thanks for understanding what I was up against... it has helped a lot.
Prescott, Arizona
It is great to have serious health issues explained in an easy to understand format. When you are ill, it is overwhelming when you trying to search for information about your illness. Medifocus helps you find the important information regarding your issues and the latest research and discussions by the medical profession. I am enjoying my Guidebook.
Ft. Bragg, California
Thanks for the wonderful MediFocus Guidebook. The more familiar I've become with it, the less it scares me to know that I have this condition. It is comforting to know that there is so much research ongoing even though there is not a cure just yet. Many thanks for your Guidebook?one person could never have compiled all of these sources together alone.
Jacksonville, Florida
I found the Guidebook very comprehensive and written in a professional and clear style. I would recommend your books to anyone who has a problem and needs to go to a doctor. Trusting your health issues in the hands of a doctor who may or may not be good or professional is no longer acceptable. I found that my father-in-law's doctor does not actually know about many of the studies described in the book even though he is considered to be one of the "specialists" in this domain.
Sydney, Australia
The Medifocus Guidebook is helping me to understand my condition much more in-depth than before. My doctor described the disease in medically technical terms only. I have used my Guidebook to access a variety of information sources and now have not only a better understanding of my ailment, but also several treatments have been revealed which I did not previously know about.
Nashville, Tennessee