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What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is more common than you think

Lymphedema Causes

 

Primary lymphedema is caused by malformations of the lymphatic system present at birth (congenital), but symptoms may not appear until later in life. Primary lymphedema can be passed from parent to child (hereditary). Lymphedema is also classified as primary when no known cause can be identified.

Secondary lymphedema is more common. It is the result of known damage or ongoing strain to the lymphatic system, such as:

  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
  • Cancer treatments (removal of lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy)
  • Benign or malignant tumor growth
  • Trauma

Stages of lymphedema

 

It is important to note that while the following lymphedema stages are commonly recognized, there may be differing levels of severity within each stage.

Stage 0

Swelling may not be apparent despite impaired lymphatic function. Symptoms at this stage may include heaviness, tightness or tingling.

Stage 1

With rest and/or elevation, the swollen limb returns to normal size. Pitting may be present. (When pressure is applied to the skin of the swollen area and released an indentation remains.)

Stage 2

The tissue can present with pitting, but often in this stage more significant skin changes are present with development of fibrosis tissue; the tissue may have a spongy feel.

Stage 3

The tissue at this stage can be hard (fibrotic). The swelling may be largely irreversible and the limb can be very large and swollen. Infections are possible at any stage of lymphedema; however, the risk increases as the stages progress.

Lymphedema Explained

Your lymphatic system is part of your body’s immune system. Its network of tissues, vessels and organs carries lymph fluid, nutrients and waste materials between your body tissues and bloodstream to maintain a normal, healthy fluid balance.

Watch this video to learn more.

Lymphedema Signs and Symptoms

Lymphedema typically appears with the following signs and symptoms:

Limb Heaviness

Limb heaviness is the most common early symptom of lymphedema

Aching, Fatigued Limbs

Aching limbs or unusual and excessive pain/discomfort and fatigue in the limbs

Pitting Edema

Evident when the skin is depressed with your finger for a few seconds and the indentation does not immediately disappear

Swelling (Edema)

Tightness of the skin and awareness that clothing, shoes and jewelry feel tighter in the affected extremity

Decreased Range of Motion

Inability to move your joints and limbs to a normal degree

Decreased Functional Mobility

Inability to stand, walk or move your body normally

Fibrosis

Hardening or scarring of tissue in response to chronic inflammation

Skin Changes

Redness/purplish discoloration, dryness, increased warmth

Decreased Muscle Strength

A feeling of muscle weakness that may lead to physical limitations

Open Wounds
(Venous Ulcers)

A slow-to-heal sore on your leg caused by weak blood circulation in the limb

Stemmer Sign

A thickened skin fold (when pinched at the base of the second toe or finger) that may be a clinical indicator of lymphedema

Pain, Discomfort, Tightness

Lymphedema is often accompanied by a feeling of pain, discomfort and tightness in the affected area

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing

Vocal Changes

Including difficulty speaking

Difficulty Breathing

Internal swelling of the larynx can make it difficult to breath

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