Web www.GCYArticles.com

GCYArticles.com is an Article Directory featuring thousands of articles written by the Internet's top authors
Search Article Directory:



Or browse through our library of Articles written by the Internet's top authors
What you get at GCYArticles.com

 
Thousands of expertly written Articles
Free Content for your website, ezine, and newsletters
Daily Updates
Receive article updates via RSS Feeds
Real Time and Weekly notifications of New Articles
As an Author

 
Generate massive publicity for your web site
Potential readership of millions for your articles
Increase your traffic and sales
Boost your reputation, credibility, and name recognition
Become known as an Expert in your field

Home | Health & Fitness | Beauty

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Beauty Articles Via RSS!

Print This Article

 Post Comment Add To Favorites Email to Friends Ezine Ready

Understanding Lymphedema as a Potential Complication of Breast Surgery

By: Rob parker

Many of the same techniques used in breast enhancement surgery are also employed routinely to reconstruct breasts damaged in accidents or through medical necessity to remove cancerous masses. In the wake of those surgeries, women are cautioned to be vigilant about potential infections, a risk heightened by the immediate placement of implants. Equally important, however, is vigilance regarding the onset of lymphedema if lymph nodes have been removed or damaged during surgery or treatment.

Opting for reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy is a matter of aesthetics and self-esteem for many women, who may not be prepared, however, for the prospect of dealing with lymphedema as an equally challenging and life-long health and appearance issue. Lymphedema is the name given to localized fluid retention, most often in the arms and legs, caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The body’s lymph nodes work to collect and filter away interstitial or tissue fluid from the body. When lymph nodes have been removed or damaged and do not function well or at all, that filtration system goes seriously awry and fluid rapidly builds up, often to alarming levels.

Although lymphedema is not life-threatening, it is a time-consuming and difficult, requiring daily care. Occurring in approximately 25 percent of mastectomy cases, the condition may arise immediately following surgery or appear years later with symptoms including severe fatigue, heavy and swollen limbs, and skin discoloration. It is extremely important for mastectomy patients to be aware of any swelling in the limbs after surgery and to seek immediate treatment. When lymphedema is in Stage I, it can often be reversed. Once it progresses to Stage II, however, the condition is permanent.

There are two major avenues for maintaining lymphedema including a program of light massage in concert with therapeutic exercise and the use of compression garments. Skin care is vital, as lymphedema seriously elevates an individual’s risk of infection. Compression garment are worn during the day and at night, with the limbs requiring periods of elevation. Often these measures are used in addition to a sequential gradient pump, a device in which a chambered pneumatic sleeve with overlapping cells massages the limb to remove built-up fluid.

Patients with lymphedema face significant lifestyle changes and must avoid heavy lifting or excessive strain on the limbs. In severe cases, “strain” may be defined as something as benign as pushing a cart at the grocery store. Often individuals are forced to give up outdoor activities that carry a risk of injury including a wide variety of sports. Maintenance techniques are lengthy and boring, as well as a potentially unpleasant reminder of the injury or breast surgery that prefaced the onset of the lymphedema initially. Patients facing any kind of breast surgery, whether it be reconstructive or even an enhancement procedure, should fully discuss the potential for damage to the lymph system. In many cases this damage is, unfortunately, unavoidable, but with pre-surgical education and prompt care, lymphedema may be avoided or its impact on your life lessened considerably.

Article Source: http://www.gcyarticles.com

Understanding all aspects of breast expansion and reconstruction will help avoid complications like lymphedema.

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Additional Articles From - Home | Health & Fitness | Beauty
Members: Login here

Non-Members: Sign Up for a free account or learn more.
Site Navigation

 
Submit Articles
Top Authors
Most Popular Articles
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
 
New Stuff
About Us
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Publisher Guidelines 


© 2006 GCY Article Directory. All Rights Reserved.
Article Directory with Free content for websites and ezines. Authors submit your articles today and gain more exposure.

Powered by Article Dashboard