On this page
Learn More
See, Play and Learn
- No links available
Research
Resources
For You
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 (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Lymphedema (Vascular Disease Foundation) - PDF
-
Lymphedema (PDQ)
(National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
Diagnosis and Tests
- Lymphoscintigraphy (Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology) Also in Spanish
Prevention and Risk Factors
- Lymphedema Risk Reduction Practices (National Lymphedema Network)
Treatments and Therapies
-
Treatment of Lymphedema (National Cancer Institute)
Also in Spanish
Related Issues
- Infection and Other Complications (National Lymphedema Network)
- Lymphatic Filariasis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Tips for Travel and Aircraft Flight (National Lymphedema Network)
Specifics
- Lymphedema as a Cancer Treatment Side Effect (American Society of Clinical Oncology)
- Understanding Lymphedema (For Cancers Other Than Breast Cancer) (American Cancer Society)
Genetics
-
Genetics Home Reference: Hennekam syndrome (National Library of Medicine)
-
Genetics Home Reference: lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (National Library of Medicine)
-
Genetics Home Reference: Meige disease (National Library of Medicine)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Lymphedema (National Institutes of Health)
Journal ArticlesReferences and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
Reference Desk
- What Is the Lymphatic System? (National Lymphedema Network)
Find an Expert
Women
- Lymphedema: What Every Woman with Breast Cancer Should Know (American Cancer Society) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- Compression stockings Also in Spanish
- Lymphatic obstruction Also in Spanish
- Lymphedema Also in Spanish
