Lymphedema: Lymphedema is the swelling of one or more of the legs and arms caused by poor function of the lymphatic system. There are two classifications of lymphedema, primary and secondary. The most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the US is breast cancer treatment complications as well as other surgeries. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide. There is no cure for lymphedema (with the exception of antibiotics for filariasis). Focus is geared toward the management of symptoms.

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Doctor's Notes on Lymphedema Symptoms

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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

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 and Its Treatment

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

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 Glands

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.

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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 Topic Guide

Must Read Articles:

Breast Cancer

Edema

How Does a Person Get Lymphedema

Lumpectomy

Lymphedema From Cancer and Its Treatment

Mastectomy

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Sentinel Node Biopsy

Swollen Lymph Glands

Varicose Veins

What Triggers Lymphedema

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