Welcome to the Official Home Page of the Lymphoedema Support Group (Yorke Peninsula Branch). We are members
of the Lymphoedema Support Group of South Australia (L.S.G.S.A.)inc.

Lymphoedema is the swelling of skin and subcutaneous tissue as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes causing the accumulation of large amounts of lymph fluid in the affected region.

The two major types of Lymphoedema are primary Lymphoedema
(a rare inherited condition) and secondary Lymphoedema which is caused by a blockage or interruption of the normal flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system.

A variety of risk factors have been recognized for secondary Lymphoedema including:
1) breast cancer surgery;
2) cancer radiation therapy;
3) cancer of the lymph nodes;
4) infection;
5) chronic venous insufficiency; and
6) filiarisis (a parasitic infection transmitted to humans by mosquito bites).

The objectives in the treatment of Lymphoedema include:
1) control and reduce the swelling;
2) prevent progression of Lymphoedema;
3) prevent infection; and
4) improve the patient's overall quality of life.

Currently, there is no general consensus among doctors regarding a uniform standard of care for the treatment of Lymphoedema.
Treatment options are individualized to the patient's specific situation and take into account a variety of factors including the severity of the Lymphoedema.
In recent years, Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy has gained popularity for the treatment of Lymphoedema.
This type of treatment consists of manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise therapy, and patient education regarding skin care.
Source http://www.medifocuscancer.com/index.php

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