Prevention and Early Detection of Lymphedema
“Dr. Lisa Curcio is a strong an advocate for measures to prevent lymphedema.”

Lymphedema is swelling that develops because there is a build-up of lymph fluid in a part of the body. Lymphedema occurs most often in the arms or legs.  But it can affect other parts of the body (such as the trunk, groin or face), depending where the damage to the lymph system.

The cause can be a cancer blocking the ducts and glands that the lymph fluid would normally flow through.  Or it may be scarring from surgery or radiotherapy or infections that is blocking the lymph ducts.  Studies show from 20% to 45% of patients who are at risk for lymphedema will eventually develop it." Wall Street Journal 2004 [5]

According to Dr. Lisa Curcio, the diagnosis, recognition and treatment of lymphedema has always been problematic for breast cancer patients. The procedure of sentinel node biopsy has revolutionized the treatment of breast cancer in that women who do not have cancer cells identified in their axilla do not need those lymph nodes removed. When this procedure was first introduced the quoted rate of lymphedema was 1% or less. Now that we have been performing this procedure for over 8 years, we now that the incidence is higher than those projected numbers but much lower than the risk of lymphedema with axillary node dissection (15-30%).

As a strong advocate for preventative measures to prevent lymphedema, Dr. Curcio has partnered with local lymphedema specialists and refers her patients for evaluation and education during the postoperative period. Lymphedema may be extremely debilitating and although it cannot be cured, treatments often involving exercise, compression bandaging and massage can arrest the condition. Early detection and therefore early treatment are critical to providing the best patient outcome.  Dr. Curcio advices her patients to do exercises and perform measures that can reduce the risk of this condition.  You may schedule a consultation with Karen Wehner, MS, OTR/L, CLT for an assessment and treatment.  Call 949.770.0797 to schedule your consultation.

Welcome Karen Wehner, MS, OTR/L, CLT 
Certified Therapist to treat Lymphedema

Dr. Curcio is excited to welcome Karen Wehner to her practice. Karen has over 30 years of experience as an occupational therapist in physical rehabilitation.  She is a licensed OT and also holds an MS in Gerontology.  Karen received her certification as a lymphedema therapist in 2001 and now exclusively practices lymphedema therapy, with particular emphasis on breast cancer patients. 

Her therapeutic interventions address shoulder problems and/or swelling from lymphedema which can often interfere with functional abilities in everyday life. Ms. Wehner is certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy:  manual lymph drainage (Vodder Technique), proper skin care, exercises, and gradient compression via bandaging or garments.  

L-DEX to Assess Lymphedema

Recently, Dr. Curcio was the first physician on the West Coast to partner with ImpediMed and offered early detection of lymphedema through a procedure using bioimpedence. This technology allows the clinician to detect small amounts of extracellular fluid.  Read about the L-Dex used by Dr. Curcio to accurately assess lymphedma.

Early detection can lead to early intervention and prevention of an episode on clinical lymphedema. Read more about "What you should know about Lymphedema and Breast Cancer," click here.

Note: Lymphedema -FDA Clearance received. ImpediMed’s L-Dex devices are not intended to diagnose or predict lymphedema of an extremity.  For further information contact our office or refer to the Impedimed website at http://www.impedimed.com.

To learn more about lymphedema, visit: 
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/Cording_and_Axillary_Web_Syndrome.htm
 

 Contact Dr. Lisa Curcio to discuss your risk for lymphedema and offer early detection using a new non-surgical bioimpedence procedure.

Visit "Advanced Breast Care Specialists of Orange County"  in Mission Viejo, California.