Lymphedema
Also known as: lymphoedema
Swelling of a limb caused by build-up of lymph fluid after lymph nodes are removed or damaged.
Definition
Lymphedema is chronic swelling, usually of an arm or leg, caused by a build-up of lymph fluid when the lymphatic drainage is impaired. In oncology it most often follows surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation to the armpit or groin — for example after breast cancer surgery.
Early symptoms include a feeling of heaviness, tightness of jewellery or clothing on the affected limb, and mild swelling. With early recognition, lymphedema can usually be controlled with skin care, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage massage and exercise. Patients are taught to avoid injuries and infections on the affected limb.
See also
- Lymph Node — Small bean-shaped immune organs that filter lymph fluid and often show the first signs of cancer spread.
- Mastectomy — Surgery to remove all or most of the breast tissue, usually to treat breast cancer.
- Radiation Therapy — Treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in a targeted area.
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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
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