Lymphedema Facts

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a swelling that develops just beneath the skin caused by trauma to the lymphatic system. Lymphedema can be primary or secondary. 

Primary lymphedema occurs when someone is born with it or it develops around puberty or around the age of 35.  Primary lymphedema typically occurs due to a genetic malformation (too many or too few lymph nodes / vessels) in the lymphatic system, resulting in swelling.

Secondary lymphedema, the most commonly seen of the two in the United States, is acquired, meaning an outside factor causes it.  Some examples would be, surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation to an area where there are lymph nodes, infection, and or trauma.

In order to better understand what Lymphedema is, it is important to understand the lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system returns excess fluid surrounding your organs to the circulatory system, absorbs fats and filters toxins to prevent disease. The swelling results when excess fluid is not being removed properly and needs to be treated.

What Causes Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system is fragile. Lymphedema is often caused by trauma to the lymphatic system resulting from cancer treatments such as surgery and radiation, particularly when lymph nodes are removed. For example, a patient with breast cancer who had axillary (armpit) lymph nodes removed may develop lymphedema of their affected arm, trunk or breast. A patient with melanoma in their foot, leg or thigh who had groin lymph nodes removed may develop lymphedema in their leg. Lymphedema can occur in the arms, legs, breast, chest, head, neck and genitals.

Signs of Lymphedema and what to do about it?

The early signs of Lymphedema are often subtle and develop gradually. Patients often report tight jewelry or clothing, or periodic swelling. Swelling can be along the entire arm or leg or just in a few fingers or the top of the hand. For example, a favorite shirt might be tight on one arm, or you may experience a heaviness or achiness in your arm or leg. Most (80-90%) Lymphedema cases occur within three years of cancer treatment. The remaining 10-20% of cases develop after three years.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please do not ignore them and make an appointment with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) for an evaluation.Our CLTs will assess your situation, take baseline measurements, answer all your questions and establish a plan of care, often involving Complete Decongestive Therapy.