Lymphedema Center - Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Internist Doctors for LymphedemaType of Physician: Internist What is a Internist? A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists. Specialty: Internal Medicine Common Name: Internist Doctors in Des Moines * Hematology & Oncology Center Of Iowa PC  Mercy Internal Medicine Clinic  Mercy Internal Medicine Clinic  Medical Oncology & Hematology Associates  Diagnostic & Critical Care Medicine PC  Mercy Internal Medicine Clinic  Mercy Medical Center  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Avenue Internal Medicine  Penn Ave Internal Medicine  Mercy Medical Center  Nephrology PC  Nephrology PC  Mercy Capitol Internal Medicine Clinic  Mercy Capitol Internal Medicine Clinic  Mercy Capitol Internal Medicine Clinic  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  Mercy Capitol Internal Medicine Clinic  Palliative Care Consultation  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  DesMoines Internal Medicine PC  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  Iowa Health - Des Moines Administration  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine Clinic  IHP Methodist Plaza Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  Iowa Methodist Medicine Center Program  Broadlawns Medical Center  Broadlawns Medical Center  Broadlawns Medical Center  Broadlawns Medical Center  Des Moines University Clinic  VA Medical Center Des Moines  VA Medical Center Des Moines  VA Medical Center Des Moines  VA Medical Center Des Moines  VA Central Iowa Healthcare System  Eileen M Robb MD  Ankeny Internal Medicine PC  Christy Family Medicine  Johnny & Romie Orr Memory Center  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  The Iowa Clinic Internal Medicine  Ben Collins DO  Lakeview Internal Medicine  Lakeview Internal Medicine  Lakeview Internal Medicine  Lakeview Internal Medicine  Lakeview Internal Medicine  McFarland Clinic Hospitalist Program  McFarland Clinic Hospitalist Program  McFarland Clinic Hospitalist Program  McFarland Clinic - Pulmonology  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine  McFarland Clinic Oncology  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine  McFarland Clinic Adult Medicine Des Moines, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-10
2012-06-17
2012-06-17
2012-06-23
2012-06-30
2012-08-12
2012-09-02
2012-09-02
2012-11-11
2012-11-11
LymphedemaWhat is lymphedema?Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling in one or more extremities that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of specialized vessels (lymph vessels) throughout the body whose purpose is to collect excess lymph fluid with proteins, lipids, and waste products from the tissues. This fluid is then carried to the lymph nodes, which filter waste products and contain infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. The excess fluid in the lymph vessels is eventually returned to the bloodstream. When the lymph vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, localized swelling (lymphedema) is the result. Lymphedema most often affects a single arm or leg, but in uncommon situations both limbs are affected.
It has been estimated that worldwide, there are 140-250 million people affected by lymphedema.
What causes lymphedema?Primary lymphedema causesPrimary lymphedema is an abnormality of an individual's lymphatic system and is likely present at birth, although symptoms may not become apparent until later in life. Depending upon the age at which symptoms develop, three forms of primary lymphedema have been described. Most primary lymphedema occurs without any known family history of the condition.
Recommended Reading Related to LymphedemaMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) » What is an MRI scan?An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced. The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.
When are MRI scans used?An MRI scan can... Other Related Lymphedema ArticlesEmergency Contact for Des Moines
Nearby Des Moines Hospitals *Mercy Medical Center Des Moines Iowa Lutheran Hospital Blank Children's Hospital Iowa Methodist Medical Center Broadlawns Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines Mercy Franklin Center Madison County Healthcare System Dallas County Hospital Skiff Medical Center Story County Medical Center Mary Greeley Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Knoxville Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Boone County Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Lymphedema by Our Doctors
-
Related Diseases & Conditions
10 articles-
Breast Cancer
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. Symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm area, nipple pain, change in breast size or shape, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, and breast skin changes. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
-
Burns (First Aid)
- Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.
-
Varicose Veins
- Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
-
Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and brain. While there are many causes of peripheral vascular disease, doctors commonly use the term peripheral vascular disease to refer to peripheral artery disease (peripheral arterial disease, PAD), a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms, and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease symptoms include: intermittent claudication, rest pain, numbness in the extremities, and more. Treatment for peripheral artery disease include: lifestyle measures, medication, angioplasty, and surgery.
-
Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
-
Edema
- Edema is the swelling of tissues as a result of excess water accumulations. Peripheral edema occurs in the feet and legs. There are two types of edema, non-pitting edema and pitting edema. Causes of pitting edema is caused by systemic diseases, most commonly involving the heart, liver, and kidneys. Local conditions that cause edema are thrombophlebitis and varicose veins. Edema is generally treated with medication.
-
Breast Cancer and Lymphedema
- Lymphedema is a common chronic, debilitating condition in which excess fluid called lymph collects in tissues and causes swelling in them. It is common after a mastectomy, lumpectomy or breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy.
-
Puberty
- The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
-
Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites). Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes vary greatly. They can sometimes be tender, painful or disfiguring. The treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends upon the cause.
-
Sepsis
- Sepsis (blood poisoning) is a potentially deadly infection with signs and symptoms that include elevated heart rate, low or high temperature, rapid breathing and/or a white blood cell count that is too high or too low and has more than 10% band cells. Most cases of sepsis are caused by bacterial infections, and some cases are caused by fungal infections. Treatment requires hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and therapy to treat any organ dysfunction.
-
Breast Cancer
-
Medications
0 articles -
Procedures & Tests
6 articles -
Pictures, Images & Quizzes
3 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
0 articles -
Health News
7 articles -
Health Features
0 articles
