March Is Lymphedema Awareness Month

March is Lymphedema Awareness Month, and World Lymphedema Day is March 6. According to the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, as many as 10 million people in the U.S. suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. We'd like to thank our dedicated lymphedema specialists for all that you do to help our patients manage this chronic condition.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a buildup of lymphatic fluids under the skin, which causes swelling and can lead to discomfort and pain anywhere in the body. It is often a side effect of cancer treatments like surgery and radiation but can also result from trauma. The condition is chronic for most patients.

There are two types of lymphedema:

• Primary lymphedema:
  • Rare and is often congenital
  • Lymphatic system does not develop properly
• Secondary lymphedema:
  • Most common
  • Caused by disruption or damage to the system, sometimes as a result of cancer treatments or trauma

Methodist’s Lymphedema Care

Specialized care for lymphedema is available through Methodist Health System at the following locations:

• Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center
• Methodist Hospital
• Methodist Fremont Health
• Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital

Methodist’s team of licensed physical and occupational therapists has extensive training in providing specialized, compassionate care. The team helps manage swelling and discomfort with a personalized approach.

The Methodist Lymphedema Program is designed to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include:

• An exercise program
• Compression with bandages or garments, including measurement and fitting
• Manual lymph drainage
• Patient education
• Skin care
• Follow-up and support

Thank you again to our team of lymphedema specialists as we try to help spread awareness about the chronic condition during Lymphedema Awareness Month!