The Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) had launched an exclusive Lymphedema Clinic to serve patients suffering from lymphedema, a distressed side effect caused by cancer.

The new clinic was inaugurated by Nadella Manohar, speaker, Andhra Pradesh legislative Assembly, at KIMS campus in Secunderabad.

Doctors at KIMS informed that among various problems caused or side effects left over after diagnosis of cancer, lymphedema is seen prominently among the patients. Lymphedema is a common distressing side effect which is usually visible in the form of swelling of the arm and breast. The risk of lymphedema is usually seen higher in women who have had both surgery and radiation therapy to treat breast cancer.

Dr Raghu Ram, director and consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at KIMS-Ushalaxhmi Centre for breast diseases said, “Cancer does not just affect the body, it also affects the mind, body and soul. Cancer diagnosis can leave a host of problems in its wake and lymphedema is one such distressing side effect. Just treating the physical being does not complete cancer treatment.”

Lymphedema is a long-term condition, though it can be controlled but it is unlikely to ever go away completely. Therefore treatment is aimed at encouraging other healthy parts of the lymph system to work more effectively and to prevent further problems or complications.

The symptoms of lymphedema usually respond well to treatment and in many cases, such side effects are effectively controlled. There is no way to know who will get lymphedema, but one can prevent it by recognising it early and starting treatment right away can help manage it.