What is truncal edema?
Lung cancer patients are also at risk for truncal lymphedema. This condition involves swelling in the chest or back following one of the above listed procedures. It can present with or without significant involvement of the adjacent upper extremity.
How is lymphedema of the trunk treated?
Three common trunk lymphedema treatment methods include:
- Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD). This is a technique your occupational therapist uses during treatment sessions to release lymph.
- Exercise.
- Compression wrapping of trunk and limb with garments and pneumatic compression vest with limb attachment.
Can you get lymphedema in your back?
So lymphedema occurs when too much lymph collects in any area of the body. If lymphedema develops in people who’ve been treated for breast cancer, it usually occurs in the arm and hand, but sometimes it affects the breast, underarm, chest, trunk, and/or back.
Can lymphedema affect ribs?
Any of the body’s tissues that once depended on sending lymph through those pathways are at risk for fluid overload that leads to lymphedema. This can mean tissues in any part of the body on the treated side — such as the hand, arm, underarm, chest, and upper back (above the rib cage).
Can lymphedema cause chest pain?
Discomfort can be an early sign of lymphoedema. It can be: a dull ache. heaviness in the arm, breast or chest area.
What are the four stages of lymphedema?
Stages
- Stage 1: Abnormal flow in the lymphatic system. No signs or symptoms.
- Stage 2: Accumulation of fluid with swelling.
- Stage 3: Permanent swelling that does not resolve with elevation.
- Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.
Can you have lymphedema in your breast?
Lymphedema can develop in your arm, hand, fingers, breast, or torso on your affected side (the side where your lymph nodes were removed).
How do you give yourself a MLD?
Place one hand on your shin and the other hand on the back of your lower leg, just below your knee. Gently stretch the skin towards your upper leg and release. Shift your hands down and repeat this upward motion until you reach your ankle. Remember to stretch and release the skin up towards your knee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q14gNVXQAs4