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Who is at Risk for Lymphedema?
by Jeff Dorton
According to the World Health Organization (UN/WHO), each
year approximately 250 million people acquire lymphedema, mainly as a
result of mosquito-borne microfilaria parasite infection in the tropics.
In industrialized nations, the onset of lymphedema is associated
with complications following cancer treatment by means of surgery or radiation
therapy.
Women are particularly at risk of developing lymphedema in their
arms following surgery or radiation therapy for breast cancer, or in their legs
following treatment for cervical cancer, uterine cancer, etc.
Men are particularly at risk of developing lymphedema in their
legs following surgery for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, etc.
Both men and women are at risk following treatment of malignant
melanomas (skin cancer) with lymph node dissection and/or radiation involving an
arm, hand, leg or foot.
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About the Author:
Jeff Dorton
Jeff Dorton was born with primary Lymphedema. In 1996 he fell at work and triggered secondary Lymphedema. Although he saw a number of doctors over the years, none of them ever mentioned the word Lymphedema. In December of 1998, Jeff was diagnosed with stage III Lymphedema and soon started CDP therapy. Because so much time passed without proper treatment, Jeff’s lymphedema progressed to the point where it was nearly impossible to treat, and he spent years in hospitals and long-term care facilities. On Friday, April 30, 2004, Jeff passed away peacefully in his sleep. |
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