What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling of a body part, typically an extremity. It is a chronic and progressive condition, which can usually be brought under control with proper care and attention to basic guidelines. This uncomfortable problem causes feelings of heaviness, cosmetic deformity and repeated episodes of infections (cellulitis and lymphangitis). Associated with severe lymphdema are thickening of the skin and hardening of the limb as well as leakage of lymph and massive swelling (elephantiasis).

Lymphedema is very common among women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Approximately 25-50% of patients who have undergone axillary node surgery will develop lymphedema. Those who have had axillary surgery plus radiation therapy are at even higher risk. Lymphedema, regarded by many physicians as a rare condition, is actually estimated to affect over two million people in the United States.

Primary Lymphedema
Primary Lymphedema occurs with no obvious cause. Cases may be present at birth (lymphedema congenita), occur later in life (lymphedema praecox) or develop after age 35 (lymphedema tarda). Primary Lymphedema is more common in females and occurs most often in the lower extremities.

Secondary Lymphedema
Secondary Lymphedema is caused by injury, scarring or excision of the lymph nodes. Radiation or surgery of the lymph nodes, axilla, pelvis or groin can cause secondary lymphedema. Breast cancer patients are highly prone to secondary lymphedema problems. Occasionally, secondary lymphedemas are caused by trauma or infections of the lymph system.

Treatment Problems
Patients who develop lymphedema often face major problems. No existing medical specialty includes lymphedema among the conditions that it treats and no residency program offers specific instruction in its prevention of effective treatment. Physicians are generally not familiar with lymphedema. After being referred from one doctor to another, patients often have nowhere to turn for help.

The Many Options
The customary treatments for lymphedema include diuretic drugs, benzopyrones, elevation, pneumatic pumps, elastic sleeves or stockings as well as other methods whose benefits are often ineffective or short-lived. Surgery has never solved the problem of lyphedema, even though thousands of patients have been operated on. All the above factors focus on the need for an effective treatment and preventative measures.