What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a accumulation of protein rich lymph fluid which lies in the space between the skin and the underlying soft tissues. It may occur with damage to any part of the lymphatic system as it occurs in removing the lymph nodes in the breast. Damage can also occur from infection, or with radiation therapy.
What are the symptoms of lymphedema?
The common symptoms of lymphedema are frequent infections or cellulitis, a full or heavy sensation in the arm, skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or fingers, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or tightness of a ring/wristwatch/bracelet.
Why the early treatment is necessary?
When lymphedema is left untreated, fluid continues to accumulate in the arm which leads to an increase of swelling and hardening or fibrosis of the tissue. The swollen arm becomes a good culture medium for bacteria and leads to recurrent infections. If left untreated it can lead to a decrease or loss of function of the arm, skin breakdown, chronic infections and possible irreversible complications.
What are the treatment options for lymphedema?
If the cause of lymphedema is an infection, the doctor will assess for treatment with antibiotics. The recommended treatment plan for lymphedema :
- Manual Lymph drainage (In this lymph fluid from the swollen arm is redirected by a gentle massage-like technique)
- Proper skin care and knowledge of lymphedema precautions
- Compression therapy
- Utilizes and compression garments (arm sleeves, gloves as needed)
- Exercises to assist with the movement of lymph fluid and increase joint and muscle/fascia mobility.
Who are the Patients at risk?
The patients who had undergone
- Modified radical mastectomy (Whole of the breast along with axillary lymph nodes are removed)
- Breast conservation surgery ( Tumor along with some amount of breast tissue around the tumor and axillary lymph nodes are removed)
- Axillary lymph node dissection
- Radiation to axilla
- Lymphedema can occur immediately postoperative, during radiation, within a few months, a few years or even decades or more after cancer treatment.
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Dr. Pawan Gupta
Dr. Pawan Gupta is a trusted Senior Surgical Oncologist, social activist, and author, engaged in creating awareness and changing the way cancer is perceived in society. He is a renowned transformational speaker on cancer chronic diseases and lifestyle specifically tobacco. Thousands have benefitted from his workshops, seminars, camps, and training programs. He has been featured in Buzz Creator and on many channels on TV.
He is the Founder of ICanCaRe, an Innovative enterprise for Cancer Care and Rehabilitation. Working extensively in Tobacco Cessation data-driven protocol-based intervention through a network of Specialists and experts on ICanCaRe APP, Virtual Clinics, and ICanCaRe National Quitline. National Convenor for Tobacco Cessation courses for the first time in India introduced under Gujarat University
His populist campaigns “WIN OVER CANCER”, “SAVE the Youth – Win over tobacco”, “Chota Daana”, “Catch them Early”, and “My Hygiene My Responsibility” has gained him wide accolades.
In his mission to win over cancer, he has a unique methodological approach to quitting tobacco. The book WIN OVER TOBACCO – MADE EASY is a step-by-step guide for tobacco addicts to overcome their cravings. The Book had more than 10000 Downloads within 30 Days of being made available.
He received the prestigious ICD International Award in 2007, Vivekananda Sister Margarette Award 2017 and Delhi NGO leadership Award 2017, AIECS award 2018, Asia Africa Leadership in Social Innovation 2019, MICC Innovation Award 2019, Rashtriya Prabasi Odia Paribar Award 2019.
Professionally he has conducted more than 11000 cancer surgeries and was a pioneer in establishing and modernizing surgical oncology in some of the major hospitals in Delhi NCR.
He did his graduation and post-graduation from SCB Medical College, Cuttack. He enhanced his surgical skills M.Ch and Fellowship in Surgical Oncology from Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad.
He has held several positions during his career in various hospitals. Dr. Pawan has published 30 papers in National and International journals and is actively involved in several research projects. He is an active member of the Telemedicine Society of India, India Association of Surgical Oncology, Association of Surgeons of India, and Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology. He is seen as a mentor of strayed souls, and a soothing balm to those tormented by cancer.
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