Bezmiâlem Vakif University organized a webinar called “Lymph Edema 4 with Cases” about lymphedema, also known as “elephant disease”. Types, diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment prevention methods of the disease in the webinar; It was evaluated in detail through selected patient histories.
In the webinar “Lymph Edema with Cases 4”, jointly organized by the Bezmiâlem Vakıf University Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Continuing Education Center, all the issues that should be known about lymphedema, also known as “elephant disease” among the people, were discussed. In the webinar held online, subjects such as the definition of lymphedema, primary (primary) and secondary (secondary) lymphedema, treatment methods and post-treatment prevention methods were discussed, and presentations were made by physiotherapists in which case stories were also told.
TYPES OF LYMPH EDEMA
prof. Dr. After Teoman Aydın’s opening speech Bezmiâlem Vakif University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Instructor Member Yasar, First of all, Physiotherapist İldeniz Yalnız made a presentation titled “Primary Lymph Edema”. Noting that lymphedema is examined in two parts as primary (primary) and secondary (secondary) lymphedema, Yalnız said, “Primary Lymphedema usually develops due to congenital or genetic reasons, and Secondary Lymphedema develops later due to environmental or other underlying problems.” Noting that most of the lymphedema cases in childhood are primary lymphedema, Yalnız said that disruptions in the development of the lymphatic system in the womb may also cause lymphedema. Underlining that lymphedema can also be seen due to congenital or genetic predisposition, Yalnız explained the diagnosis and treatment process of a 10-year-old child patient who was subsequently diagnosed with primary lymphedema.
LYMPH EDEMA AFTER BREAST CANCER
The second presentation was made by Physiotherapist Serra Ündil with the title “Lymph Edema in the Upper Extremities”. In the presentation, Ündil mainly evaluated the lymphedema developing after breast cancer treatment. Stating that the most important reason for this is the deterioration of the balance of the lymph flow system with the removal of some lymph nodes in the armpit during mastectomy, Ündil stated that chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions taken for the treatment of cancer after surgery also cause an increase in the risk of lymphedema. Undil, who listed “swelling in the arm that developed edema, pain, feeling of heaviness, limitation of movement and occasional infection”, completed his presentation by describing the diagnosis and treatment process of a 53-year-old patient who had lymphedema after mastectomy and also had a history of falling.
LYMPH EDEMA IN LOWER REGION
Physiotherapist Venhar Hilal Baş, who made the third presentation with the title “Lymph Edema in the Lower Extremities”, stated that 80 percent of lymphedema cases on the face are observed in the lower part of the body, called the “lower extremity”, legs and toes. Noting that lymphedema cases are more common in female patients than in men, Baş told about the diagnosis and treatment methods of a 36-year-old female patient who later developed secondary lymphedema in her right and left legs, did not apply to a health institution despite having an attack and an accident, received wrong treatments and neglected her treatment. He concluded his speech with a case presentation.
PROTECTION AFTER TREATMENT
Lastly, Physiotherapist Merve Gürdamar, who made the presentation “Phase of Prevention from Lymph Edema”, in which she explained how patients who recovered after treatment for lymphedema should be protected from the risk of recurrence (recurrence) or the development of similar problems, said, “Whichever the limb being treated for lymphedema, the patient is also the body has to protect that area carefully in the next life. Due to the area that needs to be protected from extreme heat and extreme cold, sea vacation, solarium and hot/cold bag applications should be avoided. Care should be taken in the use of cosmetic products. Especially manicure and pedicure procedures should be avoided. “Applications such as tattoos and piercings should not be done. Maximum attention should be paid to personal hygiene and cleaning,” he said.
The event, which aimed to learn about the types, diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment process of lymphedema, which significantly affects the quality of life, and to convey it to the public, ended with an evaluation and a question-answer session.
