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The lymphatic system is one of the organs that is present throughout the human body and consists of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and a number of organs, all of which contain lymphatic tissue.

Lymphoedema is an abnormal accumulation of high protein fluid in the tissues caused by a malfunctioning of the lymphatic system.

Photo credit: Klose Training

Who gets Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema develops when the lymphatic drainage system is damaged, blocked or under-developed, or from trauma (surgery or injury) or cancer in the lymph system

Causes

• Surgery (removal of melanoma or lymph nodes due to breast or prostate cancers).
• Radiation Therapy (this destroys cancer cells, damages lymph nodes and vessels as well as the surrounding healthy tissue.
• Chronic venous inadequacies (such as varicose veins).
• Cancer of the lymph system
• Lack of movement perhaps after suffering a stroke or when pain limits movement.
• Developmental abnormality of the lymph system (this can be congenital, from birth, or develop later in life and is usually genetic.
• Infections of the lymph system.
• Arthritis (the affected joints are inflamed, resulting in swelling).
• Self induced trauma (for example a tight bandage, tight clothing or a tight blood pressure cuff).
• Parasites, trauma or burns.

Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema

The affected area may feel:

• Uncomfortable, full or heavy
• Painful
• Ungainly
• Numb
• Pins and needles
• Warm

The skin may have:

• A shiny appearance and be red in colour.
• Hardened or thickened areas
• Discolouration
• Pitting oedema:  When pressure applied to the affected area leaves a dent/pit.
• Swollen limb that may or may not improve with elevation.