Lymphoedema

What is it?

A long term condition that causes swelling of any part of the body usually arms or legs.

It is a result of the obstruction of the lymphatic system, which results in the accumulation of a fluid called lymph in the affected areas.

The lymphatic system helps to protect the body against infection and disease.
It consists of a network of tubular channels (lymph vessels) that drain a thin watery fluid known as lymph from different areas of the body into the bloodstream, obstruction of these vessels results in lymphedema.

NORD

This condition can lead to a Medical Emergency condition: Elephantiasis if not treated

Cause

When lymphatic system (a system of channels and glands that helps to fight infection and remove excess fluid) is not working effectively.
Injury
Cancers:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Genital cancer
Infection:
- Onchoceriasis Filariasis
- Dirofilariasis
- Bancroftian and Mayalan Filariasis (Elephantiasis)
- Cellulites
Lack of exercise or movement of affected limb (i.e if wheel chair bound)
Obesity/overweight
Inflammation of affected area/limb:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Eczema
Varicose veins
Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
Fabry disease
Cancer treatment/ radiotherapy

Medication

Liquorice toxicity

Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center

Source: Tactile Medical

Symptoms

Swollen ankles?
Swollen wrists (watches or wearing bangles feel tight)?
Any unknown lumps or swellings on any part of body?
Clothes feel tight when wearing?
Swelling feels more during the day and feels less at night?
Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
Difficulty using arms, body and legs, lack of stamina and/or walking difficulties?
Repeated skin infections?
Hard, tight skin?
Folds developing in the skin?
Wart-like growths developing on the skin?
Fluid leaking through the skin?

Nail changes:

Nails get thicker and do not grow as fast as normal (Yellow nail syndrome)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

Cellulites
Elephantiasis
Depression (due to appearance)

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia syndrome – (lower limb lymphedema, loss of hair, telangiectasias which are most commonly seen on the palms of the hands)
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome
Liposarcoma (any lump or swelling on arms, legs, thighs/waist)
Lymphatic malformations (lymphoedema symptoms around the body)
Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome – [swelling of legs because of fluid accumulation and the development of extra eyelashes (distichiasis)]
Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia
Yellow nail syndrome

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Lymphoedema in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

NHS
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