Lymphedema symptoms

What are the first signs of lymphedema? Should lymphedema be treated? How does lymphedema start? Late-onset lymphedema ( lymphedema tarda). Symptoms The most common symptom of lymphedema is swelling in one or both arms or legs.

This swelling, which can extend into the fingers or toes, usually develops gradually over time.

Signs and symptoms include swelling of one or more extremities that can range from mild to severe. The skin is firm and does not pit when the skin is compressed by a finger. All three types of primary lymphedema are probably related to the abnormal development of lymph channels before birth.

The difference is when in life they first cause swelling of the legs or arms. Symptoms of lymphedema include achiness, tingling, and feelings of fullness in the han arm, chest, and breast. Learn the symptoms , causes and more.

Though incurable and progressive, a number of treatments can alleviate symptoms. Tissues with lymphedema are at high risk of infection because the lymphatic system has been compromised. Other symptoms and signs that can accompany the swelling include.

Causes of a lymphedema. At this time, there is no cure for lymphedema. The goal of treatment is to reduce the swelling or keep it from getting worse, and to relieve symptoms. Moving your swollen arm or leg may help the lymph fluid to drain, thus reducing the swelling. A compression sleeve or stocking.

Most often lymphedema affects the arms and legs, particularly in those who have been treated by conventional medicine for breast cancer, but also from the treatment of cancers of the bladder, kidneys, and other lower extremity cancers. In this article we'll examine lymphedema causes, symptoms of lymphedema , and. Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Lymphedema praecox is the most common form of primary lymphedema.

Specific causes of this type of lymphedema include: Milroy’s disease (congenital lymphedema ). Meige’s disease ( lymphedema praecox). Manifestation of lymphedema varies depending on the degree of severity. This disorder begins in infancy and causes lymph nodes to form abnormally. The onset of symptoms can be mild to severely disfiguring and enlarged and is potentially life-threatening.

The swelling in the lymphatic system begins when there is an inadequate drainage of lymph fluid due to an obstruction. If lymphedema has develope these steps may keep it from getting worse. See the General Information section for symptoms that may be caused by lymphedema.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that course throughout the body to collect excess fluid as well as waste products.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. Do not ignore these very early symptoms of lymphedema. The internal changes have already begun and will respond if treated.

If you notice a heaviness or fatigue in a region of the arm or leg, talk to your doctor immediately. It can reduce the chance of edema worsening into more uncomfortable symptoms.