skip to main content
Main Site Navigation
Top of main content

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymph is light yellow, cloudy fluid from body tissues. Lymph flows in tiny vessels called lymphatic vessels up toward the heart. The body drains about 3 quarts of lymph per day. Lymphatic vessels lead to lymph nodes (glands). In these nodes, lymphocytes (infection-fighting cells) filter wastes, which are taken out of the body. Lymphedema is swelling of the arms, legs, or both. It results from poor lymph drainage caused by blockage, injury, or abnormal development of the lymph vessels. Extreme lymphedema is sometimes called elephantiasis because the swollen leg looks like an elephant’s foot.

What Causes Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can be primary or secondary. The rare primary types are caused by developmental abnormalities. Primary lymphedema occurs in people younger than 20, more females than males.

Secondary lymphedema is caused by another disease, such as infections (streptococcus bacteria, filarial worms). Injury from trauma or radiation therapy can also cause it, as can cancer. The most common cancers causing lymphedema are breast and prostate cancers and lymphoma.

What Are the Symptoms of Lymphedema?

The most common symptom is swelling or edema of the legs. Women who received radiation therapy for breast cancer can have arm swelling. Men whose blockage of lymph vessels is caused by prostate cancer that spread (metastasis) can have swollen legs. Swelling is painless but constant. Sometimes, other parts of the body such as the genitals and face can swell. An affected foot can look like a buffalo hump, and a leg can look like a tree trunk because of ankle swelling. A square foot can result from swollen toes.

How Is Lymphedema Diagnosed?

The health care provider makes a diagnosis from the medical history, physical examination, and X-ray studies called lymphoscintigraphy. The health care provider may also want blood tests and computed tomography (CT) to rule out other diseases. Sometimes, the health care provider orders lymphangiography. In this study, the health care provider puts a dye into a lymph vessel and takes pictures to see where blockages are.

How Is Lymphedema Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Treatment of primary lymphedema involves leg elevation, leg massage, and elastic compression stockings. Stockings must be properly fitted and have the correct pressure. Stockings can be knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose.

Surgery for long-standing lymphedema is used for continuing increase in leg size even with treatment, legs that don’t work well, recurring leg infections, and distress about the cosmetic appearance. A vascular surgeon with experience in surgical lymphedema treatment should be involved.

In secondary lymphedema, the underlying cause (e.g., prostate or breast cancer) needs treatment.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Lymphedema:

  • DO encourage children to have a normal life and take part in school activities and sports.
  • DO remember that infections of the legs, arms, and feet are complications and need treatment.
  • DO understand that in some cases you may need diuretics (water pills) to reduce swelling.
  • DO call your health care provider if you have leg swelling or you had radiation therapy for breast cancer and see arm swelling. Call if you have redness, warmth, and pain over the arm or leg.
  • DON’T forget that surgery isn’t a cure. It tries to improve lymph flow.
  • DON’T miss follow-up appointments.
FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the following sources:

  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)
    Tel: (800) 422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER)
  • American College of Surgeons
    Tel: (800) 621-4111
    Website: http://www.facts.org/

Copyright © 2017 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.

Ferri’s Netter Patient Advisor

Not sure which type of care is right for you?

We can help.

GET CARE