top of page

Causes of Lymphedema 

The Lymphatic system plays an important part in keeping the body healthy. Its main function is to transport and circulate protein-rich lymph fluid around the body through lymph vessels to collect bacteria, viruses, and waste (1). 

 

Lymphedema is caused when there is an inadequate amount of drainage in the lymph vessels of the arms and legs (1). There are two causes of lymphedema Primary and Secondary. 

This image is an anatomical diagram that shows the various lymph node pathways and highlights the locations of the various lymph organs.

Causes of Primary Lymphedema

Retrieved from, https://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/managing-side-effects/lymphedema/?region=on

Primary lymphedema refers to the development abnormalities of the lymph system obtained through an inherited condition (1). 

​

  • Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema) (2)

    • Begins in infancy ​

    • Lymph nodes form abnormally

  • Meige's disease (lymphedema praecox) (2)

    • Occurs around puberty to age 35, and during pregnancy​

  • Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda) (2)

    • Begins after age 35​

    • Rarely occurs

Causes of Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is much more common and refers to the impairment of the lymphatic vessels due to an acquired condition such as trauma, tumour, surgery, or infection (1).

​

  • Surgery (1)

    • Removal or injury to lymph nodes and lymph vessels 

    • Lymph node dissection​

    • Occurs often when checking for the spread of breast cancer

  • Radiation treatment (for cancer) (1)

    • Radiation therapy to lymph nodes can cause scarring and inflammation of lymph nodes or vessels

  • Cancer (1)

    • Cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes​ and block the flow of lymph fluids 

  • Infections (1)

    • Infection or inflammation that damages lymph vessels

    • Infection of the lymph nodes or parasites can restrict the flow of lymph fluid​

References

(1) Kayiran, O., De La Cruz, C., Tane, K., Soran, A. (2017) Lymphedema: from Diagnosis to Treatment: Turk J Surg, 33 (2): 51-57. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5508242/

​

​This article outlines the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for lymphedema. This article highlights the differences between primary and secondary lymphedema. Various diagnostic methods regarding the staging of this condition have been explained in detail such as magnetic resonance lymphangiography. Other non-imaging and non-invasive diagnostic methods such as tape measurement, water displacement and skin evaluation were also explained.

​

(2) Manrique, O. J., Bustos, S. S., Ciudad, P., Adabi, K., Chen, W. F., Forte, A. J., Cheville, A. L., Jakub, J. W., McLaughlin, S. A., & Chen, H. C. (2020). Overview of Lymphedema for Physicians and Other Clinicians: A Review of Fundamental Concepts. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 0(0): 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.01.006

​

This article outlines the four lymphedema stages and explains in detail the cause, symptoms, and treatments of each stage. Along with the stage symptoms this article outlines many other symptoms that occur in individuals living with lymphedema.

bottom of page