Lymphedema is a condition that results in the buildup of lymphatic fluid in the body's soft tissues. This condition can be inherited or it can be secondary lymphedema, which occurs when the lymphatic system is injured by disease, trauma, surgery or medical treatment. The underlying cause of lymphedema must be determined to administer the proper treatment.
Milroy Disease
Milroy disease is a genetic condition that causes the lymphatic system to function abnormally. When the lymphatic system cannot transport lymph fluid normally, the fluid accumulates and causes lymphedema. This occurs soon after birth and usually presents as swelling in the lower legs and feet. Males with this disease can be born with fluid in the scrotum or abnormalities in the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder so it can be excreted.
Lymphedema Tarda
Lymphedema tarda is a primary form of lymphedema that occurs after the age of 35. According to the UCLA Department of Medicine, one in 16 cases of lymphedema are of the tarda form. This form of the condition is rare and is caused by problems with the development of the body's lymph vessels. Patients with lymphedema tarda typically have problems with the valves in the lymphatic system.
Meige Disease
Meige dissease, also known as lymphedema praecox, is a hereditary disorder that causes lymphedema to occur in childhood or early adolescence. This form of lymphedema causes the vessels in the lymph system to form without valves, which keeps lymph fluid from draining properly. This condition may develop after an injury, causing swelling and pain.
Cancer
Secondary lymphedema can occur if cancer cells cluster and block the lymphatic vessels. If a malignant tumor is located near a lymph node or lymph vessel, it can grow large enough to obstruct the vessels and prevent lymph fluid from draining properly.
Infection
If infection enters the lymphatic system, it can restrict the flow of lymph through the vessels and lymph nodes. According to physicians from the Mayo Clinic, infection-related lymphedema usually occurs in subtropical and tropical areas and is also more likely in countries that are considered underdeveloped.
Injury
It is possible that an injury could damage the lymph vessels or lymph nodes. When this occurs, lymph fluid cannot circulate properly, so it accumulates in the arms or legs and causes swelling.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses beams of radiation to shrink tumors or kill cancer cells. Radiation can damage the lymph vessels or lymph nodes, resulting in scarring that restricts the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. Lymph fluid can accumulate in the extremities, leading to swelling and pain.
Surgery
Surgery can cause secondary lymphedema in two ways. If lymph nodes are removed for biopsy, it increases the workload of the remaining lymph nodes. If the remaining lymph nodes cannot manage to circulate lymph fluid adequately, lymphedema can occur. Surgical procedures can also damage the lymph nodes or lymph vessels, causing a restriction of lymph fluid circulation.
