What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema arises due to the accumulation of a fluid, lymph, in the soft tissues of the body, usually in the legs and arms.
Lymph is made up of water, proteins, fat and waste products from cells.
Lymph nodes are the structures responsible for filtering lymph. Once they've completed their task, they return the "purified" lymph to the bloodstream.
When, for some reason, lymph nodes and/or lymphatic vessels are removed or damaged, lymph tends to accumulate, causing swelling (edema) in the limbs.
Lymphedema: Symptoms
This problem may not manifest itself for a long time after damage to the lymph nodes or vessels. Some people only develop symptoms after 15 years.
Lymphatic problems can initially begin to manifest themselves through certain signs, such as:
- Pain and redness of the skin on the limbs;
- Weakness or feeling of heaviness or tension;
- Stiffer wrists and ankles, with less flexibility;
- Rings and tight shoes.
Some people develop chronic lymphedema. In these cases, a small wound, scratch, or even an insect bite can cause a serious and difficult-to-treat infection, lymphangitis.
Lymphedema: causes
Many people with lymphedema have had surgery or radiation therapy to treat certain types of cancer—especially breast or testicular cancer.
But there are other causes and factors that influence its appearance, such as:
- Burns;
- Aging;
- Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis;
- Obesity;
- Surgery on blood vessels in the limbs.
There are cases where a person is born with this condition, but this is very rare. In most patients, this condition arises after an injury to the lymphatic system.
Medical Specialist
in Lymphedema
Dr. Joana de Carvalho
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
- Member of the College of Phlebology
Specialist Doctor
in Lymphedema
Prof. Doctor Sergio Sampaio
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- PhD from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Fellow of the European Board of Vascular Surgery
Medical Specialist
in Lymphedema
Dr. Filipa Jácome
- Specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery
- Master's Degree in Medicine, from the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS)
- Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP)
- She was awarded 5 scientific merit awards.
English (UK)