Highlights & Basics
- Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive swelling of tissue with protein-rich fluid as a consequence of developmental (primary lymphedema) or acquired (secondary lymphedema) disruption of the lymphatic system. Extremities are most commonly affected, followed by genitalia.
- Most commonly secondary to nematode infection (filariasis), malignancy, or cancer-related treatment.
- Typically presents with painless unilateral limb swelling; pitting edema is present in early disease, whereas nonpitting edema is a sensitive but nonspecific finding in advanced disease.
- Diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds, but may be confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy or via other emerging modalities.
- There is no cure, but effective treatments are available which can improve outcomes, particularly if given early in the course of the illness. First-line treatment is conservative in nature and involves skin care and compression, ranging from static garments to complex massage and pneumatic compression devices. Surgical procedures are reserved for patients refractory to conservative measures and/or with significant morbidity.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Primary lymphedema of the right lower extremity
Secondary lymphedema: left lower extremity lymphedema after radiation, and lymphadenectomy for Hodgkin lymphoma
Lymphoscintigraphy showing dermal back flow and absent uptake of radiolabeled colloid in lymph nodes of left lower extremity consistent with lymphedema
Citations
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Executive Committee of the International Society of Lymphology. The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lymphedema: 2020 consensus document of the International Society of Lymphology. Lymphology. 2020;53(1):3-19.[Abstract][Full Text]
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