Lymphedema Services at AMI

Lymphedema refers to progressive swelling that occurs in your arm(s), leg(s), or body due to a lymph system obstruction that prevents normal drainage.

The role of the lymphatic system is to circulate protein-rich lymph fluid from your tissues back into the circulatory system where they are destroyed, filtered, and flushed away. In the process, bacteria, viruses, and waste products are also removed. When the protein-rich lymph fluid becomes stagnant, due to the inability to drain, swelling and skin quality changes are realized with an increased risk of serious infections.

Causes of lymphedema include:

Too small, too large, or too few lymph vessels.
Surgery with lymph vessels and lymph nodes severed/removed. For instance, surgery for breast cancer may include the removal of one or more lymph nodes in the armpit to look for evidence that cancer has spread. If the remaining lymph nodes and lymph vessels can't compensate for those that have been removed, lymphedema may result in the arm.
Radiation treatment with scarring and inflammation of the lymph nodes or lymph vessels.
Cancer cells can cause lymphedema if they block lymphatic vessels.
Infection can infiltrate the lymph vessels and lymph nodes causing damage.
Traumatic injury that indirectly or directly damages the lymph nodes or lymph vessels.
Injury to the lymph system through vein stripping, peripheral vascular surgery, burns, insect bites.
Prolonged inflammation causing chronic stress on the lymph system with damage resulting.

Signs and symptoms of lymphedema

Swelling ranging from mild (hardly noticeable) to extreme (making function impossible)
A feeling of heaviness or tightness
Restricted range of motion
Aching or discomfort
Recurring infections originating in the affected area
Hardening and thickening of the skin
Taut, shiny, rough, scaly, flakey skin

Untreated, lymphedema can lead to

Reduced limb or body part function
Recurrent infections
Inflammation of the lymph vessels
Lymphangiosarcoma

Objectives of Treatment are to:

Prevent progression of lymphedema
Encourage flow lymph through unaffected vessels
Help patient's cope with the psychological aspects of lymphedema
Improve the patient's overall quality of life

For more information or appointments for Lymphedema Services please reach us at:

(701) 225-0767 or visit us at:
Applied Medical, Inc
Applied Medical Plaza
227 16th Street West
Dickinson, ND 58601