Our lymph system is an important system that regulates the fluid balance in our body and supports the immune system. However, blockage of lymph nodes or vessels can block the normal flow of lymph fluid, leading to lymphedema. For the treatment of lymphedema, it is necessary to approach the issue with various disciplines. It’s important to make lifestyle changes to manage lymphedema, and this especially includes healthy eating and exercise habits.
What is elephantiasis (Lymphoedema)?
The lymphatic system in our body carries waste materials and excess fluid in the body. Lymph fluid passes through lymph vessels and glands and mixes with the blood circulation. In case of any blockage or damage in this system, lymph fluid accumulates and causes swelling. “What causes elephantiasis (Lymphoedema)?” We can answer the question as follows:
Elephant disease is a disease caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid as a result of blockage or damage to the lymphatic system. Accumulation of lymph fluid causes swelling in the arms or legs and is a chronic disease. The causes of elephantiasis are as follows:
- Removal of lymph nodes due to cancer treatment
- Lymphatic system infections (lymphoma, lymphadenitis)
- Congenital lymphatic system anomalies
- Trauma
- radiation therapy
What are the symptoms of elephantiasis (Lymphoedema)?
Elephant disease usually occurs in the arms or legs. However, apart from the arms and legs, it can also be seen on the chest wall, neck, abdomen and genitals. The most common symptom of elephantiasis is swelling in the affected area. Swelling usually develops gradually and may increase over time. Swelling can cause the affected area to become larger, heavier, and harder. Symptoms of elephantiasis (Lymphedema) are as follows:
- Pain
- difficulty moving
- Hardening and thickening of the skin
- wart-like growths
- fluid leaking from the skin
- Infections that don’t heal
What happens if lymphedema is left untreated?
When lymphedema is left untreated, infection may occur. Lymph fluid can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infection in the affected area. Infection can increase the severity of swelling and cause skin sores. When lymphedema is left untreated, infection can also lead to sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to a serious infection.
If lymphedema is left untreated, swelling from lymphedema can make it difficult to move the affected area. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities and reduce the quality of life. Additionally, swelling can lead to hardening, thickening and wart-like formations on the skin. This situation may negatively affect skin health. Lymphedema is an incurable disease. However, with treatment, swelling can be controlled and the risk of complications can be reduced. “What happens if elephantiasis progresses?” The following answers can be given to the question:
- Infection
- limitation of movement
- skin conditions
How is elephantiasis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of elephantiasis is made by the patient’s medical history and physical examination. In the medical history, the person’s past health problems, elephantiasis risk factors and symptoms are examined. During the physical examination, swelling, stiffness and skin changes are looked for in the affected area. One or more of some imaging tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:
- Lymphography: A radioactive material is used to create an radiograph of the lymph system.
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined in the laboratory.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to image the tissues in the affected area.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Magnetic fields and radio waves are used to provide detailed imaging of the tissues in the affected area.
Elephant disease should be distinguished from the following other diseases that can cause similar symptoms:
- Cancer: Lymph node cancer can cause swelling in the arms or legs.
- Thrombosis: Blood clots can cause swelling in the arms or legs.
- Venous insufficiency: Venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs due to difficulty in the flow of blood back from the legs to the heart.
How is elephantiasis treated?
Treatment of elephantiasis includes a series of approaches to ensure the effective functioning of the lymph system and to reduce the lymph fluid accumulated in the body. The treatment plan is customized depending on the severity of lymphedema, its causes, and the patient’s condition. Commonly used methods in the treatment of lymphedema are as follows:
- Physiotherapy and lymph drainage massage: Lymph drainage massage can reduce edema (swelling) and pain by accelerating lymph flow.
- Compression therapy: Compression garments prevent lymph fluid from accumulating by applying pressure. Elastic bandages or specially designed clothing can help keep swelling in the limbs under control.
- Exercise programs:Special exercise programs can be used to increase lymph circulation. These programs can help lymph fluid move better by encouraging muscle activity.
- Surgical intervention: Surgical options may be considered for the treatment of lymphedema, especially to repair or replace lymph vessels. These types of interventions are usually considered when other treatment methods have failed or lymphedema has progressed.
- Lifestyle changes: Healthy living habits are important in the treatment of lymphedema. These may include healthy eating, weight control, skin care and reducing the risk of infection.
To help manage lymphedema, doctors may recommend special medications. These medications, which aim to reduce lymph fluid and control swelling, can be used by patients with the approval of the specialist doctor. The elephantiasis treatment plan usually includes a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment plan may include a different combination for many patients.