About Lymphedema

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Causes

When lymph vessels and/or lymph nodes are missing, impaired, damaged, blocked or removed, the lymphatic system cannot adequately collect excess fluid and proteins from the body tissues after cell nourishment and transport these substances back to the circulatory system. Lymphedema is classifed as either primary or secondary.

Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system and can be hereditary. Primary lymphedema may be present from birth (congenital), develop at the onset of puberty (precox) or begin in adulthood (tarda).

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is more common and is an acquired condition, with a known insult to the lymph system such as:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Trauma
  • Benign or malignant tumor growth
  • Infection
  • Iatrogenic causes
  • Obesity
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Filariasis

Visual of Lymph System [PDF]


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