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Introduction to Lymphedema
Risk Factors for Secondary Lymphedema
Breast cancer patients are especially at risk of developing secondary lymphedema following surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy) together with lymph node dissection, and/or cancer radiation therapy to the region of the axillary nodes. It has been estimated that secondary lymphedema develops in 10-40% of breast cancer patients.
Surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy following any type of cancer including breast cancer (most common), pelvic area cancers, prostate cancer, or melanoma - areas involving the armpit, groin/pelvis, or head/neck area. The risk of lymphedema increases with the number of lymph nodes removed.
Cancer involving the lymph nodes (lymphomas)
- Tumors compressing lymph ducts, such as abdominal or pelvic tumors or tumor invasion of the lymph system.
Infection or trauma causing a blockage of the lymphatic system
Chronic venous insufficiency causing venous stasis (slow blood circulation usually in the extremities)
Filariasis - a group of tropical diseases caused by various parasitic roundworms and their larvae that burrow into the lymphatics and are transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite. The parasites can reach 8 cm. in length and usually nest in lymph nodes. This disease occurs primarily in developing countries (tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands).
