Does anyone know how Males get Lymphedema?

Question

For I have in in both my legs all the way up to my chest

Answer 1

Most people are familiar with lymphedema as a condition that affects women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Men can have this condition as well...however it is usually in the legs due to either :1. Lymphnode removal or the inguinal lymphnodes 2. Trauma to the lymphatic system 3. A genetic predisposition.

For those with genetic predisposition (Milroy's disease, lymphedema tarda, etc), there is probably a gene malfunction that causes vascular cells to omit a protein that helps the cells differentiate into lymphatic cells. It usually results in an inefficiate valve of the lymphangion. Current research is trying to use gene therapy to correct this malfunction in the cells. Some of the best research I've come across for primary lymphedema is done by Dr. Stanley Rockson of Stanford University.

Until that happens...complex decongenstive therapy...which can be a combination of manual lymphdrainage, multilayer bandaging and a compression pump (followed by fitting of a compression garment) is still the standard choice of care.

Answer 2

Hi Ted, I answered your other lymphedema question, I invite you to join my yahoo group Lymphland, the link is on the bottom of my page here: http://www.lymphland.com/ I have many members with lymphedema, some were primary, some had cancer, etc. It depends how you got it by if the condition runs in your family, how old were when you got it, did you have any surgery, cancer or injuries? Even a bug bite or infection can trigger the condition if you are genetically prone to it. I have a chatroom on my site too, http://www.lymphland.com/chatnguestbook.html, the chat schedule is on the front page of the yahoo group if you'd like to come in and talk to others, Robert is a very good source of info, he's a primary lymphedema male with lower to waist and I'm sure he'd be glad to talk to you. I have men with genital swelling in the group too. If I can help in any other way let me know.

If you have not been treated with Manual Lymph drainage therapy you need to be, that's a form of medical massage where the therapist actually works the fluid through your body and lessens swelling, many times if you are a stage 1, then you can be back to pretty much normal after therapy and compression. The therapist will show you how to do the medical massage yourself so you can keep up the good work at home too.

Answer 3

The term "edema" refers to the accumulation of an excessive amount of fluid in tissues or organs resuling in swelling. Lymphedema is the swelling of skin and subcutanous 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 lymphedema are primary lymphedema (a rare inherited condition) and secondary lymphedema 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 lymphedema 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 lymphedema include: 1) control and reduce the swelling; 2) prevent progression of lymphedema; 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 lymphedema. Treatment options are indivdualized to the patient's specific situation and take into account a variety of factors including the severity of the lymphedema. In recent years, Complete Decongestive Physiotherapy has gained popularity for the treatment of lymphedema. This type of treatment consists of manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise therapy, and patient education regarding skin care. There are five main types of treatment – care of the skin to prevent damage and infection, compression of the limb with elastic sleeves or stockings or bandaging, exercise to help the lymph flow, positioning of the limb and regular movement to use gravity and muscle movement to drain fluid and massage to disperse fluid that has built up. make the limb feel heavier and the skin feel tight. Sometimes the skin can look thicker than normal. Once you have had lymph glands removed, or have developed damage to the lymph ducts, this cannot be put right. So there is no permanent cure for lymphoedema. But it is possible to control it with treatment to reduce swelling and prevent more fluid from building up.There are many ways you can help to protect your skin, either to treat lymphoedema, or prevent it happening in the first place. The main aim is not to damage or break the skin and so allow infection in. Always wear gloves for gardening and housework. Beware of being scratched by pets, pricking your finger when sewing and make sure you do not get sunburned. If you do get a cut or graze, treat with antiseptic and go to your doctor straight away if you suspect a cut is getting infected. You can look after your skin generally by using moisturising cream and hand cream. Don't pick at your nails, or push back your cuticles. If your foot or leg could become affected, see a chiropodist regularly. Finally, don't let anyone take your blood pressure, take blood or put any sort of needle in the limb at risk. It is really best to seek professional advice on exercise, limb positioning and massage. The type of massage used to help with lymphoedema is very specific. You need to see a lymphoedema specialist to have it done. The specialist may be able to teach you some gentle massage techniques you can use yourself at home. Deep tissue massage (the type of massage you would get from a usual masseur) does not help and can actually cause harm because it encourages blood flow to the area and so increases fluid build up. You must have professional help with compression, it is no good trying to do it all by yourself. You need a specialist to measure the amount of pressure required for each part of the affected limb.
Hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 4

It is caused by inadequate drainage of the lymph nodes. In males it is mostly caused by another problem or is hereditary. But sometimes there is no obvious cause.