What is lymphedema?

The first step to educating a patients is explaining lymphedema. Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of the lymph fluid, usually in the limb, due to impairment in the lymphatic system. the lymphatics are responsible for maintaining a fluid balance by collecting excess fluid not absorbed by the blood vessels and transporting it back to the heart.

This fluid includes excess protein and water, plus products from tissues throughout the body. lymph nodes filter this fluid and start necessary immune reactions. When this system is damaged, the body's capacity to drain and filter the lymph fluid is potentially compromised and swelling may occur. lymphedema is secondary when impairment is the result of surgical removal of the lymph nodes (as during cancer surgery), of the radiation of trauma or of infection; it is primary when it results from abnormal lymphatic growth or development.

Lymphedema can develop immediately following the impairment to the system, or it can develop years later. The condition is incurable and can only be effectively managed through persistent attention, prevention is crucial. though not a guarantee against developing lymphedema, risks can be minimized by heeding precautions that are based on an understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.