Lymphedema Specialty Clinic

Heaviness, achiness, tingling, swelling. For patients who have had a mastectomy, pelvic surgery, blood clots or unexplained chronic swelling, these may be signs of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a debilitating buildup of lymph fluid. Southwest Washington Medical Center's Lymphedema Specialty Clinic offers education and proven, non-invasive techniques by a certified lymphedema therapist.

What Causes Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system collects water and large molecules, such as protein, waste products, bacteria, fat and cancer cells. From there, the lymph fluid travels through the lymph vessels to the lymph nodes. White blood cells enter the lymph system to clean the fluid and to fight infection and disease.

Sometimes, the lymph nodes are damaged from surgery, radiotherapy, trauma, infection, or vascular disease. When this happens, lymphedema can result. Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of protein-rich fluid that causes inflammation and fibrosis (thickening of the tissue).

Predicting who is likely to get lymphedema or when it might develop can be difficult. For example, it may occur years after an incident. Ask your healthcare provider about risk factors for lymphedema.

How Can Lymphedema Be Treated?

The Lymphedema Specialty Clinic at Southwest Washington Medical Center offers a Complete Decongestive Therapy program to treat lymphedema. Led by Joyce G. Masters, PT/CLT, our program includes:

• Baseline measurements for swelling
• Manual lymph drainage
• Short-stretch bandaging
• Instruction in specific exercises
• Fitting for compression garments that increase pressure and support the affected area
• Skin care, such as special lotions and wound treatments
• Education and referrals to support groups

How Can I Learn More?

The Lymphedema Specialty Clinic is a collaboration between the Kearney Breast Center and Rebound Rehabilitation Services in the Physicians' Pavilion at Southwest Washington Medical Center. The Physicians' Pavilion is located at 200 NE Mother Joseph Place (off Mill Plain Blvd.) in Vancouver. For more information, send email to jmasters@swmedicalcenter.org or call 360.696.5350.

Learn how physical therapy can help breast cancer patients.

Contact Us

Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98665

360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.989.3494 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)