Blood is not the only fluid that circulates through the human body. There is another parallel circuit, the lymphatic system, which serves to cleanse the body and is related to the defenses. When not working well, lymph (the fluid that transports) collects and displays a painful swelling called lymphedema technically. This condition can occur spontaneously or as a side effect after surgery. So is rising because of aggressive anticancer treatments affect the lymph system. The clearest case is mastectomy, which involves a quarter of lymphedema. But precisely for this character unintended effect of priority treatment, cure cancer, “the experts complain that he was not given the attention it deserves.
“The vascular surgeon phlebologist, which makes the diagnosis of lymphedema, you see that this problem is the Cinderella of our consultations and for public health, is a lesser evil, almost alone something aesthetic,” says José Román Escudero, president of Chapter Phlebology Spanish. This group, together with the societies of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE) and RHB (SERMEF) emphasize the importance of creating interdisciplinary hospital units, with good coordination of vascular surgeons, plastic and rehabilitation physicians. “You have to properly address a health problem that significantly alters the quality of life of patients and affects their self-esteem and can lead to psychological problems,” said Escudero.
According to James Massie, chairman of the SECPRE, lymphedema occurs by an alteration in the lymphatic system, which in 70% of cases is secondary to surgery for breast cancer and is in the arm. Next in frequency, located in the lower extremities, due to surgery of malignancies of the uterus, ovary, prostate and melanoma in the legs. In its most severe form of elephantiasis gets its name because the affected reaches a shape and volume resemble an elephant’s leg. Less common are congenital, hereditary origin.
This is the case of Eleanor Carbonell, a 51 year old woman who suffered primary lymphedema was diagnosed at age 20, although from very small is often swollen ankles, “I have 31 years with the disease, with this congenital abnormality of my lymphatic system. I affects both legs, although one more than another. ” Leonor has learned to live with his evil and rehabilitation strictly observed to do, always wear your legs bandaged and does not need medication.
Experts emphasize that the most pronounced symptoms of lymphedema include increasing the volume of the region where the lesion is localized, heavy, taut skin and edema or swelling, cracking and infection risk. All these changes affect the overall mobility, physical asymmetry and self-esteem about body image.
“Early detection of the problem and its proper treatment are essential for lymphedema is well controlled and evolving favorably,” said Escudero. Massages, wraps, extreme hygiene, creams and rehabilitation are some of the treatment regimens. The most innovative are certain techniques of microsurgery in Spain Jaume Massià only develops in the hospital of Santa Cruz and San Pablo of Barcelona.