A vida do linfedema é ameaçadora?

Yes, some of the complications that occur with lymphedema can be life threatening. Let’s see what lymphedema complications are, this will help you understand the life-threatening conditions that may occur with lymphedema.

Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the risk of contracting cellulite is higher if you have lymphedema because the skin stretches and thinns the lymphatic fluid accumulations. This weakens the skin’s natural defense and increases the risk of getting infections. The folds that are created in the skin due to lymphedema can trap bacteria. Once bacteria enter the tissues, lymph fluid is an ideal place to grow and grow in numbers. Cellulitis is usually caused by bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Group A streptococcus in a person with normal immunity. May be caused by opportunistic organisms / normal flora in person with low immunity. If not treated properly, the infection can spread to the blood and cause septicemia.

• Skin breakage caused by cuts, blisters, bites or burns
• Skin conditions like eczema, chicken pox
• Complication of liposuction, axial lymph node dissection,
• Overweight / Obesity
• Immunocompromised
• Diabetes Mellitus

Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels commonly due to a Group A Streptococcus infection associated with cellulite, less commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. These organisms enter the lymphatic system through a violation of the skin. The vessels that are inflamed appear as red streaks under the skin, extending from the primary site to the groin or armpit. Other symptoms are fever, malaise, muscle aches, headache. If not treated early, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, potentially causing fatal septicemia and complications that can lead to death.

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Immunocompromised patients
• Long Term Steroid Users

Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare soft tissue cancer that occurs in patients with long-term primary or secondary lymphedema. This can occur at both ends, but commonly seen at the upper limb. Symptoms may include red-blue or purple discoloration or lump on the skin. People who have lymphedema for over 10 years have a 10% risk of getting lymphangiosarcoma. Early diagnosis and treatment may give a better result, otherwise the tumor may spread to the lungs and chest wall, which can cause death (common cause of death). It can also spread to the liver and bone.

• Recurrent Infections
• Radiation
• Extensive fibrosis
• Middle-aged or elderly women with a history of breast cancer.
• Deep vein thrombosis
• DVT can cause pulmonary embolism and death.

O linfedema de cabeça e pescoço pode envolver estruturas externas como os tecidos moles da face e do pescoço e estruturas internas, como membranas mucosas, vias respiratórias e digestivas. Isto pode originar complicações graves, tais como dificuldades respiratórias, dificuldades de deglutição que podem dar origem a deficiências nutricionais, dificuldades de fala e membranas mucosas secas.

• Localização do tumor
• Tempo de duração desde o final do tratamento do câncer de cabeça e pescoço
• Dose de radioterapia
• Dias de radiação
• Número de modalidades de tratamento

Existem várias complicações do linfedema que podem ser fatais. A celulite e a linfangite podem causar septicemia se a infecção se espalhar para o sangue e até mesmo causar a morte. O linfangiossarcoma é um tumor raro que ocorre com linfedema primário ou secundário de longa duração. Ocorre comumente no membro superior e pode se espalhar para os pulmões e a parede torácica e causar a morte. A trombose venosa profunda pode causar embolia pulmonar e morte. O linfedema na cabeça e no pescoço pode causar dificuldades respiratórias, dificuldades de deglutição, dificuldade de falar e secar as membranas mucosas. Como você vê o linfedema, especialmente o linfedema de longa data pode afetar a qualidade de vida e também pode ser fatal.

Leia também:

• O linfedema pode ir embora por conta própria?
• Como você trata o linfedema nas pernas?
• What foods should I avoid with lymphedema?
• Can lymphedema be a sign of cancer?
• Is lymphedema painful?
• Is lymphedema permanent?
• What are the first signs of lymphedema?