Lymphedema

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the blockage of the body's lymph nodes, causing lymphatic fluid to build up and cause swelling in a portion of the body. Lymph vessels collect fluid — which includes protein, water, fats and other waste products — from throughout the body and carry it to the lymph nodes, where the waste products are filtered out and the lymphatic fluid is recirculated in the body.

Causes/Risk Factors

• Surgery or radiation treatment for certain cancers, especially breast and testicular cancer
• Other surgical procedures
• Skin infections
• Infections from parasites
• Trauma
• Tumors
• Burns
• Being born without lymph nodes (inherited lymphedema)

What are the Symptoms?

• Swelling, aching, weakness, redness, heaviness or tightness in the arms or legs
• Reduced flexibility in the wrist or ankle
• Rings or shoes that become tight fitting

How is Lymphedema Diagnosed?

• Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create an image of the lymphatic vessels and measure blood flow.
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: X-ray views of the lymphatic vessels are taken to locate any blockages.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Radio waves and magnetic fields are used to show areas where lymph nodes are blocked.
• Lymphoscintigraphy: A small dose of a radioactive substance is injected to highlight the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic vessels.

Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center

• Compression stockings or other compression methods: The stockings may ease the symptoms and keep the lymph fluid flowing through the body.
• Range of motion exercises: A specially designed exercise program may help improve the movement of lymph fluid through the body.
• Manual lymph drainage: Massage therapy designed to improve movement of lymph fluid through the body.
• Surgery: Performed in rare cases, surgery may include removing abnormal lymph tissue, liposuction or transplanting normal lymph tissues to replace abnormal lymph tissue.