What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly.

What are the two types of lymphedema?

There are 2 types of lymphoedema – primary and secondary lymphoedema – which have different causes.

What causes a lymphedema?

Lymphedema is swelling caused by excess lymphatic fluid (lymph) collecting in the body’s soft tissues, usually in the arms or legs. It is a chronic (ongoing) condition seen mostly in people who have undergone cancer interventions including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

What is the difference between lymphedema and lymphoedema?

Key takeaways. Lipoedema is a chronic disorder of fat metabolism and distribution which usually manifests as a disproportional amount of fat stored on the lower half of the body. Lymphedema is an excess build-up of fluid in the arms or lower legs.

What is lymphedema and how is it treated?

The excess lymph fluid is then removed from the limb via blood vessels. Removal of fibrous tissue. In severe lymphedema, the soft tissues in the limb become fibrous and hardened. Removing some of this hardened tissue, often through liposuction, can improve the limb’s function.

Which parts of the body are most often affected by lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals.

How does lymphedema affect the body?

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

What is the best medicine for lymphedema?

Two early-stage clinical trials led by Stanford researchers have shown that ketoprofen can improve skin damage in patients with lymphedema.

What is the difference between edema and lymphedema?

Edema is usually caused by excess tissue fluid that had not yet returned to the circulatory system. Lymphedema is swelling caused by excess protein-rich lymph trapped within the tissues.

How is lymphedema diagnosed?

a MRI scan – a strong magnetic field and radio waves are used to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. an ultrasound scan – high-frequency sound waves are used to create an image of the inside of your body. a CT scan – X-rays and a computer create detailed images of the lymph nodes.

Is lymphedema a vascular disease?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid (lymph) in the soft tissue located just below the skin. This vascular condition can occur anywhere in the body, but most often happens in an arm or a leg. There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary.