Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg but you can develop edema can develop nearly anywhere on the body. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. This means it can occur on its own (primary or congenital lymphedema) or it can be caused by another disease or condition (secondary lymphedema). Secondary lymphedema is far more common than primary lymphedema.
Causes of secondary lymphedema
Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. Causes include:
Causes of primary lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Primary lymphedema occurs most frequently in women. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:
How the Lymphatic System Works
Your lymphatic system is crucial to keeping your body healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout your body, collecting bacteria, viruses, and waste products. Your lymphatic system carries this fluid and any harmful substances through your lymph vessels and into your lymph nodes. There the wastes are then filtered out by lymphocytes — infection-fighting cells that live in your lymph nodes — and ultimately flushed from your body.
How is Lymphedema Treated
Primary and secondary lymphedema are treated virtually the same way.
Examples of hand and foot bandaging for lymphedema.