Types of lymphoedema

Types of Lymphoedema

There are two main types of Lymphoedema. Lymphoedema can be described as Primary or Secondary depending on the underlying cause.

Secondary lymphoedema occurs when a normal lymphatic system is damaged due to another disease or injury. The lymphoedema is considered secondary to the other condition. The commonest disease to cause lymphoedema is cancer and this is mainly due to cancer treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy. Other causes are trauma and surgery for other conditions such as vein surgery.

Primary lymphoedema results from the abnormal development of the lymphatic system rather than damage. Most cases are sporadic and symptoms can occur at any stage of life. The underlying abnormality eventually leads to a reduction in the capacity of the lymphatics and development of swelling.

In some parts of the world a specific infection, know as filariasis, causes many cases of lymphoedema but this is not found in the UK.

There are various treatments available for Lymphoedema.

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