Lymphostasis of the arm after radiation therapy - modern methods of treatment
Doctors remove most malignant tumors, but surgery is not always enough. Patients often have to take various medications and also undergo radiation therapy. This greatly increases the chances of recovery from a serious disease, but can lead to serious health problems. One such complication is lymphostasis of the upper limb.
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Why does lymphostasis occur after radiation therapy?
Lymphostasis is a disorder of lymphatic outflow, fluid retention in tissues. It can occur for various reasons:
When radiation therapy is applied to the axillary region, there is a burn not only of the malignant tumor, but also of the soft tissues and other structures. Because of this, lymphatic vessels become sclerotic. Their lumen gradually narrows until complete obliteration occurs.
- removal of lymph nodes (most often occurs in breast cancer);
- rupture (damage) of lymphatic vessels;
- obstruction (blockage) of vessels;
- underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the organs of the lymphatic system. Usually these are hereditary diseases;
- sclerosis, obliteration (contraction) of lymphatic vessels.
When radiation therapy is applied to the axillary region, there is a burn not only of the malignant tumor, but also of the soft tissues and other structures. Because of this, lymphatic vessels become sclerotic. Their lumen gradually narrows until complete obliteration occurs.
How does lymphostasis of the upper extremity develop?
Lymphostasis of the arm after radiation therapy to the axillary region develops gradually, this is its characteristic feature. The likelihood of this complication is much higher if surgeons removed lymph nodes during surgery, and oncologists prescribed polychemotherapy.
Arm lymphostasis can occur months or even years after radiation therapy.
Arm lymphostasis can occur months or even years after radiation therapy.
How do lymphatic outflow disorders manifest themselves?
Doctors distinguish five stages of lymphostasis of the upper limb:
The smaller the stage of lymphostasis, the easier it is to treat it, so the doctor should be consulted as early as possible.
- 0, or Ia - clinical manifestations of the disease (for example, swelling of the arm) are absent, but during examination there are signs of lymph flow disorders;
- I - loose edema appears. Its peculiarities: when pressing on the hand remains a hole, swelling disappears if the limb is in an elevated position;
- IIa - swelling does not disappear if the arm is raised;
- IIb - the swelling becomes dense, the fossa does not form when pressing. Hyperkeratosis (thickening, keratinization) of the skin develops, lymphatic warts appear;
- III - elephantiasis develops. The hand significantly increases in volume, fibrosis and hyperkeratosis of tissues are joined by ulcers.
The smaller the stage of lymphostasis, the easier it is to treat it, so the doctor should be consulted as early as possible.
How to treat lymphostasis of the arm?
Usually doctors prescribe physical exercises for the arm, lymphatic drainage massage, pressotherapy, special drugs - venolymphotonics, but these methods may not be suitable for all patients. At the same time, there is an effective and safe option for the treatment of lymphostasis, which has virtually no contraindications - compression knitwear.
In case of lymphatic outflow disorders in the upper limb, a medical compression sleeve is used.
In case of lymphatic outflow disorders in the upper limb, a medical compression sleeve is used.
How does the compression sleeve work?
The medical compression sleeve is made of nylon (60%) and Lycra (40%). It provides graduated pressure to the arm (23-32 mmHg), which allows interstitial fluid from the soft tissues to flow back into the vessels and improves venous return (movement of blood towards the heart).
For moderate lymphostasis, a medical compression sleeve without a glove is the best solution. It stays securely on the arm and is invisible under clothing
For moderate lymphostasis, a medical compression sleeve without a glove is the best solution. It stays securely on the arm and is invisible under clothing
Medical compression sleeve without a glove for lymphostasis after radiation therapy on the axillary region can be used both independently and in combination with other methods of therapy. This is a modern, affordable, safe and effective option to help patients with impaired lymphatic outflow in the arm area.