Lymphoedema cannot be taken lightly. Improperly treated, they lead to disability

Experts agree that the goal of treating an oncological patient must also be the prevention of edema and the patient's fast path - so that he can obtain effective help as soon as possible. It is especially important as lymphatic edema of the upper or lower extremities is very troublesome and often causes great pain, which disables patients from normal functioning. In extreme cases, limb dysfunction and deformity can be so severe that those struggling with them attempt suicide.

- According to the guidelines of lymphological societies, patients, eg after breast cancer surgery, should be assessed approximately every three months by a doctor, by a physiotherapist. It is then assessed whether there is a slight swelling. If it occurs, appropriate treatment is applied, usually additionally the so-called compression sleeve that must be worn during the day - explains Prof. dr hab. n. med. Andrzej Szuba, head of the Department and Clinic of Angiology, Diabetology and Hypertension, University Hospital in Wrocław in Wrocław, President of the Polish Angiological Society and the International Lymphological Society.

Unfortunately, most patients in our country remain untreated or improperly treated. This condition results both from the lack of knowledge about this disease among doctors and the lack of specialized treatment centers. There is also no adequate reimbursement for therapeutic procedures such as lymphatic drainage, pressure bandaging or comprehensive lymphatic therapy.

- Edema cannot be taken lightly. Each swelling can be a symptom of a serious illness on the one hand, and of early lymphoedema on the other hand, which can be easily controlled and reduced at this stage. Patients should receive more information about possible complications of lymphoedema after surgery or cancer treatment. This is something we are working on and I hope it will improve in the near future - says prof. Andrzej Szuba.