[Lymphedema of the head in clinical practice].

Abstract

In the Feldberg clinic Dr. Asdonk in St. Blasien we treat primary and secondary lymphedemas of the head with the "Manual lymphdrainage according to Vodder-Asdonk." Secondary lymphedemas are a result of cancer therapy or are caused of tumors or their metastases respectively. A successful therapy is possible at primary lymphedemas of head or lymphedemas following an inflammation or an injury. If the cancer increases unstoppable the so-called "malignant lymphedema" not always decreases. Nevertheless we should treat with manual lymphdrainage therapy because if we do it not the lymphedema increases also unstoppable and it means a disaster for the patient. The manual lymphdrainage therapy is the only treatment we can do. Diuretics are only an indication in the final phase of the malignant lymphedema of the head because they do not take away the protein out of the interstitial tissue and so the edema becomes all the more.