Lymphedema

What Is the Cause?

Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment, especially to the upper extremities.

Lower extremity lymphedema may be related to prior surgery, radiation treatment, trauma, or infection. It is also common to see lower extremity lymphedema be related to chronic venous insufficiency/varicose vein disease, known as “phlebolymphedema.”

The interaction between the lymphatic system and problematic lower extremity superficial venous issues is gaining wider recognition worldwide.

For some patients with phlebolymphedema, addressing underlying venous issues may help with controlling lower extremity swelling.

The lymphatic system, which is also part of your immune system, relies on a small caliber network of vessels to convey fluid out of the space between the body’s cells known as the “interstitium.” Damage or blockage of these vessels prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.

Persistent lymphatic fluid accumulation the lower extremities may also lead to chronic thickening of the skin and accumulation of adipocytes (fat cells), resulting in a special type of lymphedema, known as “lipedema.”