Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has developed first of its kind in the Middle East best practices and clinical guidelines for the care of primary and secondary lymphedema.
The guidelines for standards of care and the management of lymphedema specifies referrals, diagnosis, assessment, treatment and ongoing care of patients, said Mohammed Shafi, Head of the Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Department at HMC’s National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR).
The NCCCR’s Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Department was established in 2013 and cares for patients transferred from across HMC’s network of hospitals, as well as from primary health centrEs, and private healthcare providers in the country. The Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Department is the only provider of lymphedema treatment in Qatar.
“Prior to the establishment of the lymphedema clinic at NCCCR patients either had to leave the country to receive treatment or live with the physical and psychosocial burden of the condition,” said Shafi speaking to media.
“The clinic provides International standard of care for the patients and its free of charge,” he added.
Lymphedema is a condition characterized by localized fluid retention and tissue swelling and is caused by a compromised lymphatic system. It can affect the face, neck, abdomen, and other parts of the body. The condition can be primary or secondary, with primary lymphedema caused by the abnormal development of the lymphatic system and secondary being the result of damage to the lymphatic system. The condition is a common side effect of some cancer treatments, including surgery and radiation therapy.
Emad Basher Abdalla, a physiotherapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist at NCCCR, said: “Lymphedema is swelling that can occur in any part of the body but is commonly seen in the arms and legs. While it can be hereditary, it is often caused by the removal of lymph nodes, trauma, abdominal surgeries, or cancer, and specifically exposure to radiation therapy or removal of the lymph nodes and vessels as part of cancer treatments.”
In 2016, a total of 194 patients received treatment for lymphedema at HMC the majority of these patients were female breast cancer survivors. In 2017, it increased to 342 and last year 400 have received treatment for the condition.
“We receive more female patients as breast cancer is the most common cancer in the country,” said Abdalla.
In addition to caring for patients, HMC is also focused on raising awareness among medical professionals and the general public about lymphedema.
“We have put a lot of effort into raising awareness among doctors and other healthcare professionals as well as among cancer patients and the public. Our efforts have been effective as demonstrated by the increase in the number of patients we are seeing,” said Abdalla.
March 6, i.e. today, is World Lymphedema Day and the Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Department will hold events for patients and members of the public to raise awareness about lymphedema and the importance of early treatment. Workshops will be held to educate physiotherapists and health care professionals & Upcoming ‘Walk to fight Lymphedema’ Walkathon event on March 7 at Aspire Park from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Lymphedema clinic has earned international accolades for HMC at different international conferences. It has gained local and international recognition for its service.
