KARIE ANN DE GANNES,CLT, CMTCERTIFIED LYMPHEDEMA

THERAPISTACADEMY OF LYMPHATIC STUDIES

KLOSE TRAINING

Management of Lymphedema in the Cancer Patient

What is Lymphedema?

What causes Lymphedema

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Lymphedema is a result of pooling or collecting of lymph fluid within an area, this is as a result of a damaged lymphatic system

Primary lymphedema e.g. Genetics

Obesity

Secondary Lymphedema. E.g. Trauma, Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy

Faces and Images of Lymphedema

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Lymphedema signs and symptoms, which occur in affected arm or leg, include: Swelling of part or all of your arm or leg, including fingers or

toes.

A feeling of heaviness or tightness.

Restricted range of motion.

Aching or discomfort.

Recurring infections.

Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Stages of Lymphedema

Where can Lymphedema be Present?

Lymphedema may present in the extremities, trunk, abdomen, head and neck, external genitalia and inner organs. Its onset may be gradual or sudden.

Is There a Cure?

There is no cure or permanent remedy for lymphedema. Once the lymph nodes or vessels have been damaged, the patient is at risk of developing lymphedema.

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Complete Decongestive Therapy

CDT is the only successful, known form of management for lymphedema. This includes:

Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Skin and Nail care

Multi layer bandaging/compression wear

Remedial Exercises.

Risk Precautions

Reduce Weight

Avoid Infection

Avoid blood work done on affected limb

Avoid blood cuff on affected limb

Avoid changes in temperature, e.g. ice or heat

Consider compression wear especially during exercise and air travel

Include a Certified Lymphedema Therapist in your patient management program

Management of Lymphedema in Palliative Patient

Each Patient’s needs are unique

Tailor the treatment to the needs of the patient.

Complete Decongestive Therapy

Multilayer Bandaging (Short Stretch Bandages)

Why Lymphedema Management Education is Important

Reinforce the risk, patients do not understand why this happened to me and what now!

Cancer patient living with lymphedema Compliance is the Key

Types of Compression

Types of Compression Cont.

Medical compression in the form of

Binders

Bandage Liners

Compression knee highs, stockings or arm sleeves

Compression wrapping

Service Providers of CDT

Please contact The Lymphedema Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) for a list of Certified Lymphedema Therapists.

Karie Ann de GannesPresident

Lymphedema Association of Trinidad and TobagoTel: 1-868-776-7285

Complete Decongestive Therapy must be administered by a trained therapist. The caregivers and family are instructed on the routine specific to the patient’s

needs.

THANK YOU