Lymphologist
A lymphologist is a specialist who deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system consists of numerous lymphatic vessels, through which lymph flows slowly, and lymph nodes. Vessels provide the outflow of excess fluid into the circulatory system, and the nodes protect a person from foreign microorganisms and substances, and also contribute to the maturation of immune cells.
What diseases does a lymphologist treat?
The lymphologist is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of the following diseases:
- lymphostasis of the hand after breast resection;
- lymphoma;
- lymphedema;
- lymphogranulomatosis;
- lymphostasis of the lower extremities.
Lymphostasis of the hand after removal of the mammary gland and lymphostasis of the lower extremities
In most cases, lymphostasis of the hand appears after breast removal. This occurs as a result of the fact that after the operation, the natural flow of lymph is disrupted. As a result, persistent hand edema develops, which is treated by a lymphologist.
If the edema responds well to treatment, then lymphologists call it postmastectomy lymphostasis. It happens that the edema progresses and turns into another disease - lymphedema.
At the consultation, the lymphologist determines the severity of the patient's illness and chooses the appropriate treatment.
Lymphostasis of the lower extremities also occurs as a result of impaired lymph outflow. It can be congenital, due to underdevelopment of the lymphatic system, or acquired, resulting from tumors, postoperative scars, traumatic injuries, etc.
Lymphostasis treatment is divided into two stages:
- Outpatient treatment by a lymphologist. A set of special exercises is carried out that help restore the strength and flexibility of the arms and legs, and improve drainage. To compress the swelling, an appropriate sleeve or elastic bandage is selected to prevent the accumulation of fluid. At the consultation, the lymphologist teaches the patient how to prevent infection and skin care, selects a personal diet and monitors body weight.
- Surgery. If outpatient treatment does not give positive results, or the disease progresses rapidly, the lymphologist advises the patient to undergo surgery in order to restore the lymphatic drainage.
Lymphologist specialization: lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the presence of tumors in the internal organs and the lymphatic system. The main symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes in the groin, neck, and armpits that do not respond to antibiotic treatment and do not shrink.
At the consultation, the lymphologist will tell the patient that there are two groups of tumors in the lymphatic system: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgin's lymphomas. It is very important to correctly diagnose the type of lymphoma, since further treatment depends on this, and, consequently, the result.
For diagnosis, the lymphologist uses different methods, but the main thing is a biopsy, which allows you to determine the presence of tumor cells in the tissue. In addition, the lymphologist uses MRI, CG and X-ray, with which you can not only identify the presence of a tumor, but also determine the stage of the disease.
Treatment for lymphoma depends on its shape, stage, and symptoms. If the lymphoma is asymptomatic and does not develop, then it does not require treatment. But as soon as it begins to develop, it is necessary to start treating it. If the tumor is localized, then it is treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Aggressive lymphomas are treated with several courses of chemotherapy. If this method of treatment does not give positive results, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant is performed.
Lymphologist's Specialization: Lymphedema
Lymphedema is soft tissue edema that occurs as a result of impaired lymph outflow. Doctors lymphologists divide lymphedema into two types:
- Congenital, when a person is already born with insufficient lymph nodes;
- Acquired, resulting from an infectious or traumatic process, as well as after removal of tumors.
It happens that patients develop chronic lymphedema, which, according to lymphologists, is practically not amenable to treatment. Symptoms such as weakness, redness, pain and a feeling of fullness in the affected limb, impaired mobility, are signs of lymphedema and require immediate consultation with a lymphologist.
Unfortunately, lymphedema does not respond to medication. Antibiotics and other medications are prescribed by lymphologists only to eliminate concomitant symptoms. In rare cases, a lymphologist may recommend surgery to remove excess skin tissue.
Lymphologist specialization: lymphogranulomatosis
Lymphogranulomatosis, or Hodgkin's disease, is a malignant tumor of lymphoid tissue. Most often this disease occurs in childhood, as well as in 20 and 50 years. The exact causes of lymphogranulomatosis are unknown. Presumably, it occurs as a result of exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus, which leads to mutations in lymphocytes, as a result of which they begin to multiply uncontrollably.
The main symptom of lymphogranulomatosis is painful enlargement of the lymph nodes, requiring urgent consultation with a lymphologist.
To diagnose the disease, the lymphologist necessarily prescribes the patient's biochemical and general blood tests, ultrasound of peripheral lymph nodes, pelvis and abdominal cavity, as well as chest X-ray. To finally establish the diagnosis, a lymphologist performs a histological examination of a sample of tumor tissue obtained as a result of a biopsy.
All these diagnostic methods help determine the form and stage of the disease and choose the appropriate treatment.
When is it necessary to see a lymphologist?
- When swelling occurs in the upper or lower parts of the body;
- With an increase in lymph nodes in the axillary and groin areas, on the neck and abdomen;
- When lymph nodes are indurated;
- With soreness of the lymph nodes.
Diagnostic methods performed by a lymphologist
Before carrying out diagnostic tests, the lymphologist at the consultation interviews the patient about complaints and the nature of the course of the disease. Finds out the possible cause of the disease, after which he examines the damaged area of the body. To confirm the diagnosis, the lymphologist uses the following research methods:
- Lymphoscintigraphy - a study in which a small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into the lymphatic tract and the vessels are scanned;
- Computed tomography is an X-ray study that allows you to visualize organs and tissues in layers;
- Magnetic resonance imaging, based on the combined use of electronic and magnetic fields;
- Duplex ultrasound scanning, which allows to determine the speed of lymph flow in the vessels and the presence of an obstacle;
- Lymphangiography is a study in which a special dye is injected into the lymphatic vessel.
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