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Summary
Lymphedema is the name of a type of swelling. It happens when lymph builds up in your body's soft tissues. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It usually happens in the arms or legs.
Causes of lymphedema include:
- Infection
- Cancer
- Scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgical removal of lymph nodes
- Inherited conditions in which lymph nodes or vessels are absent or abnormal
Treatment can help control symptoms. It includes exercise, compression devices, skin care, and massage.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
- Guide to Understanding Lymphedema (Living Beyond Breast Cancer) - PDF
- Lymphedema (Lymphatic Education & Research Network)
-
Lymphedema
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
- Lymphedema (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish
Diagnosis and Tests
- Lymphoscintigraphy (American College of Radiology; Radiological Society of North America) Also in Spanish
Treatments and Therapies
-
How Is Lymphedema Treated?
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- About Lymphatic Filariasis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Specifics
- Lymphedema (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Genetics
-
Hennekam syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
-
Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
-
Meige disease: MedlinePlus Genetics
(National Library of Medicine)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Lymphedema
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Construction of a nomogram for personalized prediction of lower limb lymphedema...
- Article: Addition of prophylactic compression garments to standard care to prevent irreversible...
- Article: The effect of compression therapies and therapeutic modalities on lymphedema secondary...
- Lymphedema -- see more articles
Find an Expert
Patient Handouts
- Compression stockings (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Lymphatic obstruction (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
- Lymphedema - self-care (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.