Did you know that lymphedema affects almost 200 million worldwide?
Read on to learn more!
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a medical condition where various parts of the body swell up. The swelling happens due to the accumulation of protein-rich lymphatic fluid in the tissues. The fluid is usually drained through the lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system collects excess fluid, proteins and toxins from your cells and tissues and returns them to your bloodstream.
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When this process doesn’t go smoothly, lymphedema happens. It most commonly affects the arms or legs but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals.
Severe lymphedema can affect a person’s mobility of the affected limb, elevate the likelihood of skin infections and sepsis, and induce alterations and deterioration of the skin. The approach to treatment could involve utilizing compression bandages, administering massages, employing compression stockings, utilizing sequential pneumatic pumping techniques, practising meticulous skin care, and, in exceptional cases, resorting to surgical interventions such as removing swollen tissue or creating new drainage pathways.
What Are The causes of lymphedema?
Lymphedema occurs when the lymph nodes cannot drain the lymphatic fluid from the tissues. It can either occur in the form of an inherited disease (where the lymphatic system doesn’t develop properly) or due to trauma to your lymphatic system. Some common causes of lymphedema are:
- Cancer: Cancer cells blocking lymph vessels can lead to lymphedema. For instance, a tumour growing near a lymph node or vessel may become large enough to impede the flow of lymph fluid.
- Radiation Treatment: Radiation therapy used in cancer treatment can cause scarring and inflammation of lymph nodes or vessels, contributing to lymphedema.
- Surgery: In cancer surgery, removing lymph nodes is common to check for disease spread. However, not all cases of lymph node removal result in lymphedema.
- Parasites: A prominent cause of lymphedema in tropical developing countries is infection with threadlike worms that obstruct the lymph nodes, leading to their enlargement.
What Are The Symptoms Of Lymphedema?
The first and foremost symptom of lymphedema is swelling. Other symptoms include:
- You can’t see or feel the veins or tendons in your hands and feet.
- Your arms or legs appear to be slightly different sizes.
- It feels as if your joints are unusually tight or inflexible.
- Your skin seems puffy or red.
- Swelling in your arms or legs or other areas of your body.
- Your arms, legs or other body parts feel uncomfortably heavy or full.
- Your clothes or jewellery fit more tightly than usual.
- You have a feeling of burning or itching.
- Your skin becomes noticeably thicker.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Lymphedema?
Risk factors that may elevate the likelihood of developing lymphedema encompass:
- Advanced age
- Excessive weight or obesity
- Presence of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
What Are The Complications Of Lymphedema?
Complications associated with lymphedema can encompass:
- Skin infections (cellulitis): Accumulated fluid provides a favourable environment for germs; even minor injuries to the affected limb can serve as entry points for infection. Affected skin may appear swollen, red, painful, and warm. Antibiotics may be prescribed for immediate use.
- Sepsis: If cellulitis remains untreated, it can spread to the bloodstream and lead to sepsis—a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection harms its tissues. Sepsis necessitates prompt medical intervention.
- Leakage through the skin: In cases of severe swelling, lymph fluid might drain through small skin breaks or cause blisters.
- Skin changes: In individuals with advanced lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb may thicken and harden, resembling the texture of elephant skin.
- Cancer: The most severe untreated lymphedema cases can potentially lead to a rare type of soft tissue cancer.
Managing and treating lymphedema is essential to mitigate these complications and enhance overall well-being.
How To Diagnose Lymphedema?
While physical examination is enough to diagnose lymphedema, your doctor may suggest you undergo the following tests if the symptoms are not obvious.
- MRI scan: An MRI produces 3D, high-resolution images of the involved tissue using a magnetic field and radio waves.
- CT scan: This X-ray technique produces detailed, cross-sectional images of the body’s structures. CT scans can reveal blockages in the lymphatic system.
- Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of internal structures. It can help find obstructions within the lymphatic system and vascular system.
- Lymphoscintigraphy: During this test, the person is injected with a radioactive dye and scanned by a machine. The resulting images show the dye moving through the lymph vessels, highlighting blockages.
Lymphedema Treatment In India
Lymphedema does not have a cure. The primary objective of treatment is to decrease swelling and avert potential complications. If nonsurgical interventions have not effectively alleviated your symptoms, healthcare professionals might suggest surgery. Lymphedema surgery is typically reserved for cases of severe lymphedema.
Surgery
- Lymph node transplant: This surgical procedure involves taking lymph nodes from a different body part and connecting them to the lymph vessel network in the affected limb. Many individuals with early-stage lymphedema experience positive outcomes from this surgery, which can reduce the need for compression and improve their condition.
- Creation of new drainage paths: This option involves establishing fresh connections between the lymphatic system and blood vessels for early-stage lymphedema. This enables the excess lymph fluid to be drained from the limb through the blood vessels.
- Removal of fibrous tissue: In cases of severe lymphedema where the soft tissues in the limb become hardened and fibrous, surgical removal of some of this hardened tissue can enhance limb function. This procedure may involve liposuction to extract the fibrous tissue, and in particularly severe situations, hardened tissue and skin might be removed using a scalpel.
Medicines
Lymphedema significantly heightens the vulnerability to skin infections, particularly cellulitis. To address this risk, your doctor might recommend having antibiotics readily available. This allows you to initiate antibiotic treatment promptly as soon as symptoms of infection become evident.
Therapies
Proficient lymphedema therapists can educate you on techniques and tools to alleviate lymphedema swelling. Here are some examples:
- Exercises: Engaging in gentle muscle contractions within the affected arm or leg aids in propelling excess fluid out of the swollen limb.
- Manual Lymph Drainage: Therapists skilled in this technique utilize delicate pressure, akin to a massage, to guide trapped fluid within the swollen limb towards regions with functional lymph vessels. Individuals with skin infections, blood clots, or active cancer in the affected limb should avoid this therapy.
- Compression Bandages: Applying low-stretch bandages to envelop the entire limb encourages lymph fluid to move towards the body’s core.
- Compression Garments: Snug elastic sleeves or stockings compress the arm or leg, facilitating drainage of lymph fluid. Prescription is often required to ensure the appropriate compression level, and proper fitting may necessitate measurement by a professional.
- Sequential Pneumatic Compression: This involves donning a sleeve over the affected limb that connects to a pump. The pump intermittently inflates the sleeve, exerting pressure on the limb and facilitating the movement of lymph fluid away from the fingers or toes.
Lymphedema Surgery Cost In India
The lymphedema surgery cost in India is between $6000 and $14,000, depending upon the treatment plan the doctor suggests based on the symptoms.
Lymphedema Surgery Hospitals In India
India is home to one of the best healthcare chains in India, providing world-class treatments at affordable rates. These hospitals house renowned medical facilities and use the latest technology for treatments and diagnostics. GoMedii has compiled a list of lymphedema surgery hospitals in India for your convenience.
The best part?
Lymphedema surgery cost in India in these hospitals is highly affordable!
The hospitals are:
- Fortis Hospital and Kidney Institute, Kolkata
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi
- SCI International Hospital, Delhi
- Apollo Specialty Hospital, Chennai
- Sri Ramachandra Medical Center, Chennai
- Sarvodaya Hospital, Mumbai
- Apollo Gleneagles, Kolkata
- Manipal Hospitals, Delhi
- Sharda Hospitals, Greater NOIDA
- Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
FAQs On Lymphedema Surgery Cost In India
1. Can surgery remove lymphedema?
Although surgery can’t permanently cure lymphedema, it can alleviate the discomfort caused by the symptoms.
Surgical interventions for lymphedema include:
- Lymphatic Bypass Procedures: This approach establishes connections between lymphatic vessels and the body’s venous system. This allows the excess lymphatic fluid to be redirected and drained effectively.
- Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: In this technique, lymph nodes are harvested from one part of the body and surgically implanted into the affected area. This helps reconstruct a compromised lymphatic system and enhances fluid drainage.
2. What is the cost of lymphedema surgery cost in India?
The lymphedema surgery cost in India is between $6000 and $14,000, depending upon the treatment plan the doctor suggests based on the symptoms.
3. Is lymphedema a form of cancer?
No, it’s not a form of cancer.
Choose GoMedii For The Best And Affordable Lymphedema Surgery Cost In India
If you want the best and most affordable lymphedema surgery cost in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.
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