Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Sometimes both arms or both legs swell.
Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.
While there is presently no cure for lymphedema, it can be managed with early diagnosis and diligent care of your affected limb.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Lymphedema signs and symptoms, which occur in your affected arm or leg, include:
The swelling caused by lymphedema ranges from mild, hardly noticeable changes in the size of your arm or leg to extreme changes that make the limb hard to use. Lymphedema caused by cancer treatment may not occur until months or years after treatment.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice persistent swelling in your arm or leg.
If you already have the diagnosis of lymphedema of a limb, see your doctor if there is a sudden dramatic increase in the size of the involved limb, as it may suggest a new process is occurring.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Your lymphatic system is crucial to keeping your body healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout your body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. Your lymphatic system carries this fluid and harmful substances through your lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. The wastes are then filtered out by lymphocytes â infection-fighting cells that live in your lymph nodes â and ultimately flushed from your body.
Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. This means it can occur on its own (primary lymphedema), or it can be caused by another disease or condition (secondary lymphedema). Secondary lymphedema is far more common than primary lymphedema.
Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. Causes include:
Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
If you're at risk of lymphedema â for instance, if you've recently had cancer surgery involving your lymph nodes â your doctor may diagnose lymphedema based on your signs and symptoms.
If the cause of your lymphedema isn't as obvious, your doctor may order imaging tests to get a look at your lymph system. Tests may include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Lymphedema in your arm or leg can lead to serious complications, such as:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
If you have had or you are going to have cancer surgery, ask your doctor whether your procedure will involve your lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Ask if your radiation treatment will be aimed at lymph nodes, so you'll be aware of the possible risks.
To reduce your risk of lymphedema, try to:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
It can be frustrating to know there's no cure for lymphedema. However, you can control some aspects of lymphedema. To help you cope, try to:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Factors that may increase your risk of developing lymphedema after cancer, from cancer treatment or from other secondary causes include:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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