Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. Lymphedema often affects your arms and legs, but may also affect other areas of your body. Healthcare providers can’t cure lymphedema, but they can ease its symptoms.
Several things may cause lymphedema, including:
Breast cancer surgery: Sometimes, breast cancer surgery includes removing lymph nodes under your arms and possibly damaging nearby lymph vessels.
Pelvic surgery: Surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes may cause lymphedema.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may cause scarring and damage to your lymphatic system, inflaming your skin and placing pressure on your lymphatic circulation system.
Trauma: Your lymphatic system is a rich network of vessels that are directly under your skin, as well as deep. Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema.
And finally, Contact your healthcare provider if you notice your affected arm or leg is more swollen or if you think you have an infection. All information are gotten from Cleveland clinics.
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