Lymphedema following Gynecologic Cancer
People who have been diagnosed with and treated for gynecological cancer are at risk of developing lymphedema. Lymphedema, chronic swelling, can develop when there has been damage to the lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes from surgery and/or radiation therapy. Lymphedema develops when the lymph fluid is not able to move out of an area that has damage to the lymphatic system. It is an accumulation of protein rich fluid (lymph) in the soft tissues. Lymphedema is not painful, although it can be uncomfortable, and it is not life threatening.
Signs and Symptoms
People who have been treated for gynecological cancer can develop lymphedema in the abdomen, genitals, buttocks and/or the legs. Symptoms of the development of lymphedema are:
- Swelling
- Skin feels too tight
- Clothing feels too tight
- An increase of numbness or tingling in the area
- New aching or heaviness in the area
Reducing the Risk of Lymphedema
There are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema:
- Keep the skin clean and well moisturized with non-perfumed skin lotion
- Avoid pedicures
- Cut toenails carefully
- Wash cuts with soap and water as soon as possible
- Don't walk in bare feet
- Wear shoes that fit well and cover the feet
- Wear clothing that doesn’t bind in the waist
- Avoid extremes of hot and cold – no saunas, hot tubs, hot packs or ice packs
- Avoid deep tissue massages to the area at risk
- Use insect repellant to avoid bug bites
- Use sunscreen when planning to be out in the sun
Who Do I Call if I Suspect Lymphedema?
If you suspect that you are developing lymphedema, call your health care team to make an appointment to be evaluated. Your health care team will refer you to a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist, which specializes in treating people with lymphedema. There is a team of physical therapists at Penn Therapy and Fitness/Good Shepherd Penn Partners who specialize in treating people with lymphedema.
Although lymphedema is not life threatening, it is important to look out for signs of infection
If you notice the area feels warm or hot to touch, increased redness or rash, quick change of swelling, fever or new pain please contact your physician.
What Is Lymphedema Treatment?
Lymphedema treatment is provided by certified lymphedema physical/occupational therapists. The treatment is referred to as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT includes:
- Manual lymphatic drainage – a precise, gentle stretching technique of the skin to direct fluid to flow away from the swollen area
- Compression bandaging
- Therapeutic exercise
- Measurement for and fitting of compression garments
- Careful skin care
- Patient education
Additional Treatment As Needed
Often people who have been treated for gynecological cancers have physical therapy needs in addition to treatment for lymphedema. Your health care team and/or lymphedema therapist may recommend treatment for:
- Range of motion and strength deficits
- Cancer fatigue
- Soft tissue and/or scar adhesions from surgery and/or radiation therapy
- Pelvic floor dysfunctions – incontinence, constipation, diarrhea, sexual dysfunctions, etc.
- Pelvic pain
Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy services are provided by Good Shepherd Penn Partners; a partnership between Penn Medicine and the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. Good Shepherd Penn Partners provides specialized long-term acute care and inpatient and outpatient physical rehabilitation throughout the Philadelphia region.
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