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Cancer Edema Treatment

Edema is the term used for swelling in the body caused by abnormal fluid buildup. It is also known as fluid retention. Edema-related swelling typically affects the legs and feet, but can also occur in the face, arms, hands, abdomen and the area around the lungs. It is a potential symptom of several different forms of cancer, and a side effect of numerous medications used to treat cancer.

  1. Understandng Cancer-Related Edema

    • The American Society of Clinical Oncology says that your edema is directly related to the progression of your illness if you suffer from liver, ovarian or kidney cancer. If your edema is the result of cancer medications, it will manifest itself regardless of the particular form of cancer present. Examples of chemotherapy drugs with known edema side effects include cyclosporine, leuprolide, docetaxel, gemcitabine, thalidomide and arsenic trioxide. Other edema-related medications used in cancer treatment include corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), synthetic progesterone derivatives (progestins) and anabolic steroids.

    When to Seek Treatment

    • Signs of edema include skin that feels tight or stiff; skin that does not return to its normal shape when pressed; swelling, puffiness or a bloated feeling; diminished flexibility in your wrists, ankles or fingers; and unexplained weight gain. If you have these symptoms, tell your oncologist (cancer specialist) at your earliest opportunity. You may also observe more severe signs of edema, including skin so tight that it does not indent when touched; inability to fit into your normal clothing; weight gain that is rapid -- in excess of 5 pounds in a single day; tightness or pain in your chest; shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties; and lowered urine output or the complete inability to urinate. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your oncologist immediately.

    Treating Edema Caused by Medication

    • Your oncologist will need to determine the cause of your edema. If it is related to your medication, he may be able to treat your symptoms by altering your drug regimen. Options include prescribing appropriate alternative compounds without edema side effects or altering the dosage or timetable of your current treatment. If there are no suitable drug alternatives or other alterations, your edema will typically resolve when your course of medication ends.

    Treating Edema Caused by Cancer Progression

    • If your edema is a direct result of the progression of your cancer, treatment is usually more difficult, and the effects of your symptoms may be permanent. Potential methods of controlling your condition include use of prescription diuretics, reduction of your daily salt intake, regular walking or other light exercise and eating a nutritionally balanced diet. Your oncologist may also make additional recommendations, including use of compression socks or sleeves to force any edema-related fluid back into active circulation in your body. You can help this recirculation process by not sitting with your legs crossed or standing for long periods of time. In some cases, occupational or physical therapy are also helpful treatment options. Consult your oncologist for more information, and make sure to inform him before you make any changes in your daily fluid intake.

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