Lymphedema, a continuation of cancer that has no cure but can be treated

By EFE

July 11, 2018-14: 27

Lymphedema is one of the side effects of breast cancer and is characterized by swelling of the arms and legs. Although there is no cure, treating it in a timely manner can reduce symptoms and prevent its progression, said a specialist at Efe.

"Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system, which is part of the circulatory system, is interrupted or sick, we must go back and it starts to swell parts of the body," says therapist Isabelle Aloi Timeus

. who is director and president of the Salvati Foundation, says that when we think of cancer, we always think about the aesthetic and functional sequelae left by the disease.

For example, in the case of breast cancer, there is loss or deformity in the chest, effects on the skin by radiotherapy, sensory disturbances by chemotherapy, but little attention in lymphoedema

Aloi Timeus explained that the lymphatic system is responsible for cleaning the body of "viruses, bacteria, tumor cells and all that is wrong. "[19] 659004] In this system, the lymph nodes play a fundamental role because" they are like a colander that traps or these wastes. "

When there is a tumor in the breast, the lymphatic system detects it, catches it and brings it to the nearest lymph nodes.

However, when a person is operated on, the lymph nodes are usually removed, causing less flow into the circulation of the lymphatic system and the lymphatic vessels can not properly drain the lymphatic fluid.

"This can happen after the operation or even several years later," he said.

The specialist explained that this condition is not avoidable and that there is nothing that physically prevents this from happening. The only symptom is swelling. "

However, he said that many patients report a feeling of heaviness, pain, discomfort and, of course, changes in the size of the arms or legs.

Healing, Aloi Timeus has pointed out that one of the most effective ways to treat and avoid the more serious consequences is the use of compression garments that help prevent the accumulation of liquids.

" You should also avoid lifting heavy objects and not applying heat to your arm, chest or back, as it dilates the blood vessels, causes more blood to come in and lymphatic fluid returns. , he explains

. In addition, care should be exercised when squeezing, cooking, putting your hands in the oven, ironing, not standing long, lifting weights or keeping your legs still.

The specialist noted that this problem occurs between 35 and 40% of women who have had lymph nodes removed, but when adequate treatment is given, the risk is reduced to one in 10 patients who may suffer

Aloi Timeus regretted that, in Mexico, the problem is often compounded by the ignorance of doctors on how to treat this condition "because they think it's only water retention or send them to therapies that are not adequate.

Since 2009, the founding foundation has created the initiative Pintadita a tu Salud, an artistic project in which breast cancer survivors make paintings in order to raise funds to support the purchase of compression garments that help prevent the disease.

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the world, with about 14 million new cases in 2012, according to the World Organization of Health (WHO).

Demographic estimates indicate that these numbers are expected to increase by 70% in the coming decades, reaching about 24 million by the year 2035.

Tags

Breast Cancer
Swelling
Inflammation
lymphedema
Wife
Health