Lymphatic System and Other Cancers
Head and Neck cancer – Ridner SH, et al (2016) Lymphatic and soft tissue complications can develop throughout the first 18 months post-treatment Gynecological cancer – Hayes SC, et al (2017) Other cancers – Rockson SG, Keeley V, et al (2019)
Breast Cancer and Lymph Node Biopsies
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsies (SLNB) Reference Video for Breast Cancer and Lymph Node Biopsies
Breast Cancer and Radiation
Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy (RIBP) Reference Video for Breast Cancer and Radiation
Lymphatic System and Breast Cancer
Reference Video for Lymphatic System and Breast Cancer
Treatment of Choice – Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A light skin stretching technique that stimulates the lymphatic system. MLD uses light touch to move excess lymph and fluid out of the tissues and back into the lymphatic vessels. Exercise: With compression, special exercises will help to pump lymph out of the swollen area. Skin Care: Keeping the skin […]
Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis refers to the process of differentiating possible conditions that share the same or similar symptoms. The following diagnoses present with one or more similar characteristics to lymphedema, and potentially could be the cause of a person’s symptoms. These diagnoses should be differentiated by a physician.
Complications – Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS) “Cording”
Reference Video for Axillary Web Syndrome
Complications of Lymphedema
A diagnosis of lymphedema has led to, or been closely associated with numerous other conditions, such as:
International Society of Lymphology (ISL) Staging
The International Society of Lymphology (ISL) staging system is a numerical system used to classify the severity and progression of lymphedema, a condition where accumulated lymph fluid causes swelling in different parts of the body. The ISL system consists of four stages: Stage 0: Subclinical stage. Lymphatic transport capacity is reduced, but swelling is not […]
Földi’s Scale
Földi’s scale, developed by Prof. Michael Földi, is based on four stages, each of which represents a different level of severity for lymphedema. The scale includes: Stage 0: This is the earliest stage of lymphedema, in which there is no visible swelling. Instead, the patient may experience sensations such as heaviness, tightness, or aching in […]
