How Is Lymphedema Treated?

At this time, there is no cure for lymphedema. The goal of treatment is to reduce the swelling or keep it from getting worse, and to relieve symptoms. Your doctor can help you figure out which treatments are best for you.

Lymphedema can be treated with—

Exercise. Moving your swollen arm or leg may help the lymph fluid to drain, thus reducing the swelling.

A compression sleeve or stocking. This garment fits tightly on your swollen arm or leg, helping the lymph fluid flow out.

Massage therapy. A special kind of massage called manual lymph drainage can help push the lymph fluid out of the swollen part of your body.

A pneumatic pump. A machine inflates a sleeve that you place on your swollen arm or leg, helping lymph fluid flow out.

Weight loss. In patients who are overweight, lymphedema related to breast cancer may improve with weight loss.

Surgery. If your lymphedema is severe, your doctor may suggest that you get an operation. Several options are available. For more information, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Lymphedema: What Are Your Surgical Options?

Cancer treatment. If a cancerous tumor is causing the lymphedema, the cancer is treated.

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