Question 1

can both men and women get lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Lymphedema is not linked to gender. Both men and women can develop lymphedema. It typically occurs when there is a disruption in the lymphatic channels. This can occur congenitally (from the time of birth), as a side effect of surgery, or due to a new disease process.

Question 2

do you think i should get surgery for lymphedema if i want to be a dancer?

Accepted Answer

Not as a first step: The mainstay of treatment for lymphedema is still conservative.  This includes weight control, stretching exercises,  lymphatic drainage massage, wearing compression garments, and possibly using sequential compression devices.  If that is unsuccessful, surgery can be discussed at that point but i would not recommend it as a first step.

Question 3

can you get lymphedema from a dog scratch?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: If the dog scratch causes a severe soft tissue infection of the arm there may be lymphatic insufficiency after the infection has been treated. If treated appropriately this is usually temproary and not a life long problem.

Question 4

should i get surgery for lymphedema if i want to be a dancer in the near future?

Accepted Answer

Tough question: There are few proven surgical options for lymphedema. If your lymphedema is preventing you from achieving a dream, seek out a dedicated lymphedema specialist and tell them your concerns.

Question 5

how is lymphedema treated in women?

Accepted Answer

Lymphedema: Check out   www.Lymphnet.Org  the national lymphedema network's site.

Question 6

how is lymphedema diagnosed in women?

Accepted Answer

Usually clinically: Most diagnoses are made clinically with signs of swelling.  Unfortunately, by that time, there is already fibrosis and changes are controllable but not reversible.  Phys ther often use tape measurements which can be very variable (location, tightness of tape, dominant vs non-dom arm).  Water displacement works well but cumbesome.  Bioimpedance is simple and reproducible but insurance won't pay.

Question 7

where do you get compression sleeves for lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Medical supply.....: Medical supply stores should carry otc and rx lymphedema compression sleeves.

Question 8

i had lymphedema since i was eight. is it safe for me to get pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The swelling in the leg will probably worsen during the pregnancy. Compression therapy will help you through this. You need to closely followed and managed by a specialist with a special interest in managing lymphedema.

Question 9

can you get lymphedema from burns?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Burns cause a break in the skin which leads to massive fluid losses. Unless lymphedema was present before the burn, it is unlikely to have occured due to the burn. Studies which have looked for an association have failed to find one.

Question 10

do all patients get lymphedema from having lymphnodes removed when cancer spreads?

Accepted Answer

20-25%: Not everybody who underwent procedure to remove lymph node would have lymphedema. The incidence of lymphedema is around 20-25%.  However, the incidence would be higher when more lymph nodes were removed and when the patient also received radiation therapy to the affected area.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can both men and women get lymphedema

A member asked:

Can both men and women get lymphedema?

A member asked:

Do you think i should get surgery for lymphedema if i want to be a dancer?

A member asked:

Can you get lymphedema from a dog scratch?

A member asked:

Should i get surgery for lymphedema if i want to be a dancer in the near future?

A member asked:

How is lymphedema treated in women?

A member asked:

How is lymphedema diagnosed in women?

A member asked:

Where do you get compression sleeves for lymphedema?

A member asked:

I had lymphedema since i was eight. is it safe for me to get pregnant?

A member asked:

Can you get lymphedema from burns?

A member asked:

Do all patients get lymphedema from having lymphnodes removed when cancer spreads?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?