What Causes Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can occur from idiopathic, or unknown, causes. This is called Primary Lymphedema. Lymphedema can be present at birth either idiopathically or associated with arterial-venous abnormalities, hemangioma or Iymphangioma. These can occur in either upper or lower extremities. Lymphedema can occur in adolescence (Lymphedema Praecox), mostly in girls and usually in lower extremities. Lymphedema also can occur in both male and female adults (Lymphedema Tarda) usually after the age of 35.

Breast or abdominal surgery can result in Secondary Lymphedema. Surgical removal of a tumor and the adjacent Iymph nodes and vessels can block Iymph fluid from flowing naturally through its system. Lymphedema can occur immediately in the post-surgical period or several years later. Other surgeries that require Iymph node removal are those performed for skin cancer (melanoma), gynecological cancers, bladder or colon cancer and prostate or testicular cancer.
Radiation therapy used in the treatment of various cancers can damage otherwise healthy Iymph nodes by causing scar tissue to form and thus interrupt the normal pathway of the Iymphatic fluid. Furthermore, the radiation can cause a skin bum on the area being treated which may initiate the onset of Iymphedema. It is important to monitor the area for any skin changes such as inflammation or blistering.

Lymphedema can occur secondary to an infection that interrupts normal Iymphatic pathway function. A severe, traumatic injury may also trigger the onset of Iymphedema.