Healthy lymph, a cancer-free body

The lymphatic system is our ecosystem, so in healthy people, and especially in cancer patients, it can cause a big problem. That is why it is important how and who is allowed to perform lymphatic drainage with quality and expertise. (I have this problem myself, after surgery 13 years ago, it is a swelling of the hand.)

Lymph is the main transport route for white blood cells, which are the main fighters against infections and other disease-causing agents. Along the lymphatic tubes there are lymph nodes where the fight against various infections and tumor cells takes place. We find lymph nodes to a large extent in the places of important transport hubs through which various disease-causing agents can spread from the periphery, arms, legs, head, to the interior of the organs.

Lymphatic drainage is an irreplaceable therapeutic procedure that simultaneously improves venous circulation, nutrition and tissue regeneration, removes excess fluid and strengthens the immune system. The benefits of lymphatic drainage are: it removes swelling, helps wound healing, prevention of rheumatic arthritis, eases pain and fatigue in the legs, helps bowel function, prevention and treatment of varicose veins, etc.

In order for the lymphatic system to function properly, in addition to physical activity and optimal fluid intake, proper nutrition is also important. Lymphatic drainage has long-lasting effects if it is performed correctly and at regular intervals for a certain period. For a healthy person, a series of 10 lymphatic drainages is recommended as prevention twice a year, and one to two as a maintenance treatment. In addition to manual lymphatic drainage, there are also devices that perform it.

If this is a recommendation for a healthy person, I wonder how many are needed for oncology patients, for a faster recovery and a better quality of life? When to include lymphatic drainage, which devices are safe for pressotherapy, what does oncology allow of all this? Who are the persons who can perform lymphatic drainage, related to salons, and does our Clinical Center have enough trained physiatrists to apply it to oncology patients, considering the increased number of them?

Regular problems with breast and uterine cancer are lymphedema of the hands, swelling of the stomach and legs. It is evident, and alarming, when all of the above is understood, how serious and necessary it is for the survival and quality of life of all of us.

Suzana JOVICEVIĆ, Podgorica