A condition that results in swelling of the upper and lower limbs.

Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)

Often requires lab test or imaging

Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure

Can be lifelong

Occurs when the lymphatic fluid can't be adequately drained from the limb region because of the damage caused due to surgery, infection or radiation treatment for cancer. It can be characterized by mild to severe swelling in the limbs. Treatment aims at reducing the swelling and easing the pain by using various techniques like wrapping the limb, massage, pneumatic compression, complete decongestive therapy or exercising regularly.

Symptoms

Symptoms may range from mild, hardly noticeable swelling to severe form that affects movement.

• Swelling of a part of or the entire arm, including fingers

• Swelling of a part of or the entire leg, including toes

• Feeling of heaviness or tightness in arms and legs

• Reduced ability to move the hands and legs

• Aching or discomfort in the affected limbs

• Increased frequency of infections

• Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Treatments

There is no cure for lymphedema. Treatments aim at reducing swelling and controlling the pain.

Medical procedures: Pneumatic compression · Lymphedema surgery

Therapies: Physical therapy · Massage therapy · Complete decongestive therapy (CDT)

Causes

Primary lymphedema may be the result of:

• Milroy's disease/congenital lymphedema: Abnormally formed lymph nodes

• Meige's disease/lymphedema praecox: Causes lymphedema during puberty or pregnancy

• Late- onset lymphedema/lymphedema tarda: Affects people older than 35 years

Secondary lymphedema is caused by the blockage of lymphatic system, due to:

• Cancer or tumor, either growing in or near the lymph nodes

• Infection of the lymph nodes

• Cancer treatment, including radiation treatment

• Removal of lymph nodes as in case of cancer biopsies

• Damage to lymph nodes, for example, surgery of blood vessels

• Older age

• Obesity or over weight

• Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis (Focus Medica)