Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by a compromised lymphatic system that results in abnormal swelling of the extremities. Most often, lymphedema is the result of surgery or treatment for breast prostate, gynecological cancers, or melanoma, but people can also be born with it. Lymphedema is not a rare disease, yet many people with this incurable condition either go untreated or receive ineffective treatment. To help counter the lack of awareness, we at Medicircle are conducting a lymphedema awareness series featuring eminent Vascular Surgeons, Physiotherapists, and Plastic Surgeons treating lymphedema to help raise awareness, to help people find knowledge and innovations that support them to be able to live their best lives with it.

Dr. Kiran Naik is a plastic surgeon, hair transplant surgeon, and cosmetologist having rich experience over three decades. He is currently associated with Right Cosmetic Surgery in Borivali, Mumbai.

Hereditary lymphedema is very rare

Dr. Kiran says, “there is one section of lymphedema which is hereditary, it is because of certain genetic reasons. These are not common, congenital lymphedema is very less in number. Less than 10% of all the lymphedema cases that we see are because of some congenital or hereditary cause.”

No cure of lymphedema for all practical purpose

Dr. Kiran informs, “there have been certain attempts surgically made to cure the lymphedema but for all practical purposes there is no cure for lymphedema as such. Surgery is done for lymphedema only when the problem is significant when it's very severe and it is causing an obstruction in the daily activities of the patient. The functionality of that limb is affected so much that it is hampering and reducing the quality of life of the patient. This is because surgery has its own problems associated. Sometimes surgery worsens the problem. Surgery is the last option when lymphedema becomes a problem for the patient to manage his life. We try out surgical procedures to make life easier for the patient, to improve the function of the limb or the part which is affected by the lymphedema. It is mostly a palliative process that is to ease the life of the patient.”

Obesity can be a reason for lymphedema

Dr. Kiran suggests, “nowadays obesity can be a cause of lymphedema where the BMI of the patient is more than 40 - 45 which is very severe. Obesity causes lymphedema just by the presence of all that extra fat which is distorting the lymphatics and obstructing them. These patients have to reduce the weight and lymphedema will subside magnificently. Patients with lymphedema definitely need to reduce their weight if it is beyond an acceptable range of weight.” 

Dietary changes are useful only in the initial stage

Dr. Kiran emphasizes, “dietary changes are useful in lymphedema only when the lymphedema is a very early stage. It also helps in congenital and hereditary types of lymphedema. Lymphedema is caused primarily because proteins and fats in our blood circulation sleep out of way and actually go out into the tissues. And when the liver cannot drain them away, swelling, scarring, and tissue accumulation happen. So, one should try to reduce the amount of fat and protein in the blood and they can have some amount of carbohydrates, fruits, fibers, salads, and vegetables. But this is effective only at the initial stage of lymphedema.”

Early diagnosis signifies a better outcome for long term

Dr. Kiran adds, “diet does play a huge role in initial stages. One needs to have a good diet to maintain weight so that it doesn't increase and worsen the problem of lymphedema. The diet changes might even help to reduce lymphedema. Once it is established lymphedema, diet is for having a healthy weight rather than anything else. Because this is a chronic problem, the earlier you diagnose it, the earlier doctor will start the management protocol for this lymphedema. The outcome will be better in the long term because it will be plan management with a professional as early as possible.”

(Edited by - Renu Gupta)