Lymphedema is a condition where patients experience fluid retention and swelling in their extremities, most commonly in the lower legs. Specifically, this retained fluid is a substance known as lymph, a mostly clear fluid that carries white blood cells, proteins, and other materials throughout the body.
Because the lymphatic system is responsible for balancing fluid volume, lymphedema is most often caused by dysfunction within the lymphatic system itself. However, it can also be the result of issues in other parts of the body, such as the cardiovascular system (more on that relationship later). Likewise, lymphedema may be an inherited lifelong condition or develop later on due to damage or disease. In the US, acquired lymphedema is most commonly caused by cancer treatment that removes lymph nodes or otherwise damages the lymphatic system.
Lymphedema is typically a progressive issue, meaning that swelling gradually gets worse over time without proper treatment or control. Severe lymphedema can significantly impact a person’s health and general quality of life. Additionally, lymphedema can also be a symptom of other life-threatening conditions.