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What are secondary lymphedemas and what are their symptoms?

When the lymphatic system begins to fail, fluid accumulation occurs

The lymphatic system begins to fail due to the removal of ganglia from the armpits or groin, or caused by treatments to fight cancer and that involve that area of ​​the body, as reported by the University of Navarra Clinic.

Lymphedema, therefore, is the spread of lymph, which is a protein fluid that helps fight infections.

What are secondary lymphedemas?

The secondary lymphedema It occurs when the lymphatic system has been altered or modified due to trauma, infections, surgical operations or radiation exposure. Following this, inflammation may occur in soft tissues.

Among the risk factors, in addition to those already mentioned, there is also obesity and tumors that obstruct the nodes. That is why it is important to maintain an adequate weight and turn to the doctor frequently.

symptom

Symptoms can occur in various ways and affect different parts of the body. Usually, the most sensitive parts are the hands and feet, but it is also very common to affect the face and genital area.

Its appearance is gradual, and the symptoms that occur are skin tension and whitening of the skin, formation of soft edema, and eventually increased volume.

There are also problems with circulation and it affects the skin, causing asymmetries, heaviness and problems moving. The most serious cases could cause serious problems, such as elephantiasis.

What to do

Photo: Shutterstock

When the nodes are removed, it is important to pay attention to any abnormalities in the body and discomfort that may occur. The consultation with the specialist is important, since he will determine what should be done in each case.

As a last recommendation, therapeutic exercise is important to recover mobility and prevent the formation of lymphedemas, and thus improve the state of Health.

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