lymphatic obstruction…

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lymphatic system, yellow nail syndrome, lymphedema, lymphatic obstruction involves blockage, the lymph vessels, drain fluid from tissues throughout the body, allow immune cells to travel where they, many causes, lymphatic obstruction, is also known, lymphedema, swelling, the lymph passages, certain infections, chronic cellulitis, parasitic infections filariasis, trauma, tumors, certain surgeries, radiation therapy, rare forms of congenital, present from birth, lymphedema, result from abnormalities, in the development, the lymphatic vessels, in western societies, the most common causes, lymphedema is mastectomy, axillary dissection, removal, the breast, underarm lymph tissue, breast cancer, lymphedema, the arm in 10-15% of patients, occurs, the lymphatic drainage, the arm passes, the axilla, armpit, tissue, in the axilla has been removed, mastectomy, recurrent cellulitis, infection, the skin, damage lymphatic vessels, lead to lymphedema, the affected area, more commonly seen in obese patients, chronic swelling, the arm, leg, the clinical hallmark of lymphatic obstruction, physical exam, history, most important, diagnosis, lymphangiography performed, involves injection of dye into lymphatic vessels followed by x-rays, the area, lymphangiography, surgical isolation, the lymph vessels to be injected, therefore a difficult procedure, lymphoscintigraphy, alternative technique, a radioactive substance that concentrates, in the lymphatic vessels is injected, affected tissue, mapped using a gamma camera, images the location, the radioactive tracer, lymphoscintigraphy is less invasive, a substitute, lymphangiography, mri is explored, a means to image lymphatic vessels, mainstays of therapy, lymphedema include range of motion exercises, compression, multi-layered bandages, manual lymph drainage, mld, a physical therapist trained in these techniques, appropriate person, manual lymph drainage, light massage therapy technique that involves moving the skin in particular directions, the structure, the lymphatic system, helps encourage drainage, the fluid, waste, the appropriate channels, important aspects of treatment include skin care, prevent injuries, infection, skin breakdown, light exercise, movement programs, latter, designed by the physical therapist to encourage drainage, developing swelling from overexertion which could worsen lymphedema, compression, accomplished by wearing compression stockings on the affected area, using an intermittent pneumatic compression pumps, appropriately-trained physical therapist, decide which compression methods would be best, surgical therapy is used but has met, limited success, significant experience, technical expertise, physical therapy methods described, still be needed after surgery to reduce lymphedema, surgical options include removal of tissue containing abnormal lymphatics, liposuction, less commonly, transplant of tissue from areas, normal lymphatic tissues to areas, abnormal lymphatic drainage, bypass of abnormal lymphatic tissue, cases using vein grafts, such procedures, frequently unsuccessful, performed only under experimental protocols, lymphedema, chronic disease that, lifelong management, lymphedema improves, degree of swelling, persists, years after onset, swelling, the affected limb, skin breakdown, formation of chronic wounds, ulcers, the primary complications of chronic lymphedema in severe cases, patients must be vigilant, skin care, hygiene, a small risk of developing a lymph tissue-related cancer, have ongoing swelling of arms, legs, lymph nodes, sentinel lymph node dissection, method that some surgeons, using in order, prevent the development of lymphedema following surgery, breast cancer.