Lymphedema is a health problem that causes swelling throughout the body, typically affecting extremities. While primary lymphedema results from genetic mutations, secondary forms of the disorder result from another disease or condition.
Swelling is the primary symptom of lymphedema, and the hands, arms, legs, and feet are usually impacted, though other body parts may also be affected. Other symptoms include:
Lymphedema can cause symptoms gradually or swelling can occur suddenly and without warning. In either case, it is important to get new symptoms assessed immediately.
Secondary lymphedema can result from a range of medical conditions and treatments, including:
While it is less likely, injuries can also cause secondary lymphedema. For example, a person may experience widespread bodily swelling after an accident, which can affect the function of the lymphatic system.
When assessing symptoms, doctors may assign a stage to your lymphedema:
Staging is an important factor when it comes to treatment, as more severe bouts of lymphedema require advanced therapeutic measures.
Addressing the cause of secondary lymphedema is an important aspect of treatment. However, doctors can also recommend physical therapy, where patients will receive manual lymphatic drainage via specialized massage techniques. You can even perform these therapies at home with proper training. Compression devices and other garments can also help improve the flow of lymph through the body. These treatments are often provided in conjunction with physical therapy.
When the effects of secondary lymphedema are severe and other therapies are not having the intended outcome, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure. These procedures can remove physical obstructions in the lymphatic system for improved flow.