Men and Lymphedema

Men are just as likely as women to develop lymphedema after surgery

contributed by Katherine Konosky, OTR/L, MS, CLT-LANA, Occupational Therapy

There’s a stereotype that only women with breast cancer develop lymphedema, but that’s not true. Lymphedema, which is swelling that happens when the body’s flow of lymph fluid is damaged or blocked, can occur following any surgery that removes or blocks lymph nodes or following radiation that can damage the superficial lymphatics. So, any cancer-related treatment that removes of blocks lymph nodes can cause lymphedema. The only cancer treatment that only men need to be concerned about is for prostate cancer.

Risk Factors for Lymphedema

Risk factors depend on the type of surgery as well as the person’s individual risk factors. For example, about 16% of melanoma patients develop lymphedema, and roughly 10% of patients with cancers of the urinary system and/or genitals will experience lymphedema.

Someone’s individual risk factors also make them more likely, or less likely to develop lymphedema. These can include:

How extensive the surgery was
Whether the patient had radiation treatment and to what extent the lymph nodes were targeted
Whether the wound took more time than usual to heal
Whether the tumor was obstructing the lymph system prior to surgery
If there was scarring from the surgery – scar tissue can act as a barrier to the lymph system
Pre-existing condition like diabetes, thyroid disease or obesity
Stress
People with venous disease in their legs prior to inguinal (groin area) lymph node removal

Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema

heaviness or achiness in the at risk body part
skin redness
firmness/hardness in the affected body part
Able to push your thumb into your arm or leg, and the thumbprint remains
Change in the limb size
Unable to see the veins in the at risk areas
Less flexibility in the swollen areas

Lymphedema Self-Care (Prevention)

If the symptoms -- particularly the swelling -- goes untreated, the skin on the impacted area can become infected, scarring can occur, the skin can harden and the swelling can become permanent. It’s therefore important for any lymphedema patient to understand and adopt these elements of self-care:

Try to minimize skin or tissue trauma to the involved limb
Set a goal to maintain your ideal body weight
Modify eating habits to lower salt intake and avoid preservatives/artificial sweeteners
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Aim for an active lifestyle, because movement stimulates the lymphatic system
For people with lymphedema:
- check with your doctor before starting an exercise program
- slow progression of weights
- close monitoring for form/swelling
- scale back if swelling increases or pain occurs after activity
Use Bandages, compression garments, or night garments to decrease / manage swelling

Treatments for Lymphedema

When the self-care doesn't reduce the lymphedema, contact you doctor to learn which of the treatment options is best for you:

manual lymph drainage (usually by an occupational therapist or physical therapist)
a directional massage
deep breathing
stretching exercises
low level laser
pump use if indicated