More Lymphedema Condition Symptoms

Your lymphatic system is an interconnected group of structures vital to proper functioning in your immune system. Lymphedema is a medical condition that occurs when fluid from your lymphatic system accumulates in the tissues of your arms or legs, causing a variety of symptoms.

Causes

• Common causes for lymphedema include surgery that results in removal or damage of lymph nodes, inflammation caused by radiation treatment, cancerous tumors that block your lymph nodes and infections or injuries that damage your lymph nodes. Infrequently, lymphedema is caused by genetically inherited traits.

Features

• Lymphedema symptoms usually develop in three stages. Normally, these symptoms progress slowly over a number of days or weeks.

Types of Symptoms

• The most common symptom of stage 1 lymphedema is usually dimpling of the affected limb when you apply light pressure, while during stage 2 the tissue becomes hard and begins to swell. During stage 3, the limb becomes very large and hard and the swelling is irreversible.

Risks

• Over time, the symptoms of stage 3 lymphedema can become exacerbated by infections to the lymphatic fluid called lymphangitis, according to the Lymphedema Network. Symptoms of lymphangitis include loss of limb functioning and breakdown of your skin.

Considerations

• When lymphedema is found during the first two stages of symptoms, it can often be treated, according to the Lymphedema Network. Because of this, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms of the condition.