What Healthcare Professionals Need to Know
From the Canadian Lymphedema Framework
A progressive, chronic inflammatory condition that can affect any area of the body, most commonly the limbs. Early diagnosis and adequate management are important.
Causes and Risk Factors
PRIMARY
Hereditary
SECONDARY
Obesity, immobility
Congenital Venous Disease
Many cancers and their treatments (lymph node dissection, radiation)
Surgical interventions
Trauma, infection
Complications and Consequences of Inadequate Treatment
Recurrent bacterial cellulitis in the affected limb, risk of septicemia
Skin and tissue changes, e g , papillomata, thickened skin (pachydermia), dermatitis
Chronic wounds, lymphorrhea, lymph cysts
Reduced function, work disability
Negative psychological/body image/social impact
Assessment and Investigations
Edema (pitting or non-pitting)
Stemmer sign
Rule out deep venous thrombosis, cancer, cardiac, renal, liver disease and hypoproteinemia
Identify causes of co-existing pain
Treatment
Skin
Moisturizing
Avoiding trauma
Short-stretch bandage systems
physical activity
eating Compression garments and devices
Surgical treatments for lymphedema are being piloted and investigated in Canada
Pharmacotherapy
Lymphedema Resources
Visit the International Lymphoedema Framework (www.lympho.org) to access International Best Practice Guidelines, Focus and Position Documents on topics such as Lymphedema for Palliative Care, Compression Therapy, Care of Children, Surgical Interventions, etc For more information on
Visit www.canadalymph.ca for comprehensive information on lymphedema, assessment, and educational tools for health professionals You can subscribe to Pathways magazine, and enroll in the online microcourse on lymphedema management co-developed by the University of Alberta and CLF Visit: tinyURL com/UofA-LE
Prevalence in
Reference: Letellier et al 2024 Learn more: tinyURL.com/LE-Prevalence
Contactyourprovincialassociationfor informationonlocalresourcesincludingcertified lymphedematherapists,compressiongarment fittersandpatientsupportgroups. Visit:www.canadalymph.ca/provinces