Medical Author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Medically Reviewed on 6/20/2022
Doctor's Notes on Lymphedema
Lymphedema is defined as swelling in one or more of the arms or legs due to damage or inadequate function of the lymphatic system to move lymph fluid. Signs and symptoms include
- swelling of one or more extremities that can range from mild to severe.
- The skin is firm and does not pit when the skin is compressed by a finger.
- The skin may become scaly, cracked and may resemble an orange peel; the skin can become tender and sore.
Severe lymphedema can be disfiguring and limit limb mobility.
There are two general causes of lymphedema, primary (due to an intrinsic defect in the lymph system) and secondary (due to damage or destruction of an otherwise normal lymph system).
- Primary causes are uncommon and are genetically caused like congenital lymphedema or Milroy disease (genetic, sex-linked).
- Secondary causes are common and are caused by surgeries like breast cancer surgery, infections like filariasis, trauma, cancer cells that block lymphatics, burns, scars and radiation exposure.
What are the treatments for lymphedema?
Although there is no cure, lymphedema treatments are designed to prevent the complication of cellulitis and reduce areas of swelling. Preventive antibiotics can be prescribed and used if the swollen tissues begin to develop cellulitis (redness, warmth of swollen skin, for example). Two other general treatments are also used to reduce edema:
- Compression therapy
- Exercises to use muscles to move edema fluid
- Manual lymph drainage – massage-like therapy
- Compression bandages and/or garments – gently squeeze lymphedema out of affected limb
- Pneumatic compression – sleeve over affected limb that pumps pressure into sleeve and then releases it, providing a mechanical squeeze to move fluid
- Surgical therapy
- Lymph node transplant – lymph nodes not affected in the patient attached to affected nodes to improve lymph flow
- New drainage routes – surgical made connections between lymph nodes and blood vessels
- Surgical removal of obstructive fibrous tissue blockage
Your doctors can design a treatment protocol for your individual problems with lymphedema.
Breast Cancer : Symptoms & Signs Quiz
QuestionA lump in the breast is almost always cancer.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women. Symptoms and signs of breast cancer include breast lumps, nipple discharge or inversion, or changes in the breast's skin. Treatment typically involves some type of surgery and depends upon the staging of the cancer, the tumor type, and the person's health. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg. -
How Does a Person Get Lymphedema?
Primary lymphedema (also called hereditary lymphedema) is caused by hereditary or genetic abnormalities in the lymphatic system. Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage or trauma to the lymphatic system from cancer, cancer-related surgery, obesity, traumatic injury, radiation therapy, or parasitic infection. -
Lumpectomy (Surgery, Procedure)
Lumpectomy is surgery to remove a suspected malignant (cancerous) tumor, or lump, and surrounding tissue from a woman's breast. The size and location of the lump determine how much of the breast is removed. Lumpectomy replaced radical mastectomy to because it leaves the breast mostly intact. After surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended. -
Lymphedema From Cancer
Cancer and its treatment are risk factors for lymphedema. The lymph system is a network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the body. Lymphedema occurs when lymph is not able to flow through the body the way that it should, causing fluid buildup and swelling. -
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a procedure to remove a woman's entire breast -- and sometimes underlying muscle and lymph node tissue -- in the hopes of eradicating breast cancers. There are different types of mastectomies, including types that preserve nipple tissue in the interest of breast reconstruction and prophylactic mastectomies that are performed before any cancer is detected. Plastic surgeons can aid in breast reconstruction if a woman chooses to undergo the additional procedures. -
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral vascular disease (peripheral artery disease or PVD) causes narrowing of blood vessels to the body (other than the brain and heart). Learn about symptoms and treatment. -
Sentinel Node Biopsy
A sentinal node biopsy is the surgical removal of one to five lymph nodes closest to a cancerous tumor -- usually breast or skin cancer (melanoma) -- in order to figure out the stage of the cancer, that is, how advanced the cancer is. -
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Read about swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and other locations. How do you know if you if you have swollen lymph nodes? How do you reduce swelling of lymph nodes? How long does it take swollen lymph nodes to go away? -
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are thought to be inherited in some people. Other caues of varicose veins include pregnancy, prolonged standing, obesity, straining (constipation, chronic choughing, enlarged prostate, etc.), prior surgery to the leg, and age. Treatments for varicose veins include several modalities and surgery. -
What Triggers Lymphedema?
Lymphedema, or swelling caused by lymph accumulation, can have a variety of causes, from genetic malformations of the lymph system to cancer, surgery or infection.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.