Lymphedema

Aka: Lymphedema

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II. Epidemiology

  1. Incidence: Primary Lymphedema occurs 1 in 10,000

III. Pathophysiology

  1. Lymphatic System typically is responsible for 10-20% fluid return (remaining 80-90% is venous return)
  2. Lymphedema is accumulation of Protein-rich fluid in extracellular space

IV. Types

  1. Primary Lymphedema
    1. Congenital Lymphedema
      1. Lymphedema Congenita
      2. Milroy's Disease (Hereditary)
    2. Pubertal onset of edema
      1. Lymphedema Praecox (Most common primary Lymphedema)
    3. Middle age onset of edema
      1. Lymphedema tarda (associated with injury)
  2. Secondary Lymphedema (acquired lymphatic obstruction)
    1. Tumor obstruction of Regional Lymph Nodes
      1. Prostate Cancer
      2. Lymphoma
    2. Surgical excision or radiation to regional nodes
      1. Breast Cancer with axillary node dissection
    3. Infection of regional Lymph Nodes
      1. Filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti)
      2. Tuberculosis

V. Signs

  1. Early edema (Protein-rich fluid accumulation)
    1. Soft "puffy" extremity swelling
    2. Maximal increase increase in girth in first year
    3. Easily pits
    4. Responds to limb elevation and compression
    5. Involves distal extremity (e.g. dorsal foot)
      1. See Stemmer's Sign (pathognomonic for Lymphedema)
  2. Late edema (inflammatory fibrosis)
    1. Woody, firm Non-Pitting Edema (Brawny Edema)
    2. Skin thickened and hyperkeratotic
    3. Refractory to limb elevation and compression

VI. Differential Diagnosis: Acute Conditions critical to exclude (e.g. emergency department)

  1. Deep Vein Thrombosis
  2. Cellulitis
  3. Lymphangitis

VII. Differential Diagnosis: Subacute and Chronic Conditions

  1. See Edema
  2. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  3. Postphlebitic Syndrome
  4. Myxedema (Hypothyroidism)
  5. Lipedema
    1. Seen in women with onset after Puberty
    2. Increased subcutaneous fat between Pelvis and ankle
  6. Malignant Lymphedema
    1. Rapid, painful cancer-related edema begins centrally
  7. Distinguishing characteristics of early edema
    1. Subcutaneous fibrosis (peau d'orange)
    2. Stemmer Sign (skin does not tent on dorsal digits)
    3. Preferential swelling of foot dorsum
    4. Involved extremity of squared-off digits

VIII. Complications

  1. Recurrent Bacterial Cellulitis (Gram Positive Bacteria)
  2. Refractory Late Edema (Non-Pitting Edema)
  3. Pain and decreased extremity range of motion
  4. Severe Lymphedema (acute swelling >80%)
    1. Requires hospitalization and possible surgical intervention
  5. Lymphagiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves Syndrome)
    1. Upper extremity soft tissue malignancy complicating chronic upper extremity edema
    2. Rare complication of Breast Cancer Management with Lymph Node dissection (<0.45% of cases)
    3. Presents as arm blue-purple Macule or Papule (or as bulla or Cellulitis)
    4. Biopsy suspected lesions

IX. Management: General

  1. Indicated in aggressive decongestive lymphatic therapy
  2. Compression (Prevents late edema or Brawny Edema)
    1. Precautions
      1. Contraindicated in limb Arterial Insufficiency (except for low resting pressure wraps)
      2. Confirm adequate padding
      3. Observe for friction sites (risk of open sores)
    2. Wraps (active edema reduction)
      1. High resting pressure (ACE Wrap, Tubigrip)
        1. Absolutely contraindicated in Peripheral Vascular Disease
      2. Mult-layer compression
        1. Multiple-layer: Cotton layer, ace wrap, firm wrap)
        2. Most effective compression for Wound Healing
        3. Combines high and low resting pressure
      3. Low resting pressure (e.g. Rosidahl, Lymphedema wrap)
        1. These wraps do not require a resting force (rely on Muscle movement for return)
        2. Ineffective, if calf Muscle is not functional to assist return (use high resting pressure instead)
        3. Typically safe to use in Peripheral Arterial Disease
    3. Elastic Support Garments or Compression Stockings (built-in pressure gradient)
      1. Used for maintenance only (not for acute, active edema reduction)
      2. May initiate Compression Stockings 40 mmHg or greater after edema improves with wraps
      3. Replace every 3-6 months with loss of elasticity
    4. Mechanical Pneumatic Pressure Device
      1. Indicated for severe edema
      2. Applied at night or 2-3 times per week
    5. Special Massage Techniques (performed by Lymphedema specialists)
      1. Massage fluid proximally
      2. Ezzo (2015) Cochrane Database Syst Rev (5):CD003475 +PMID: 25994425 [PubMed]
  3. Limb Elevation
    1. Elevate above heart level for 30 minutes three times daily
  4. Exercise
    1. Promotes surrounding Muscle activity to promote lymphatic flow and fluid return
  5. Good skin hygiene (prevent infection)
    1. Keep web spaces between digits dry
    2. Apply Antifungal powder
    3. Use Skin Lubricants (Moisturizers)
  6. Avoid local injury or Trauma
    1. Avoid walking barefoot (especially outdoors)
  7. Medications
    1. Benzopyrones (Not available in U.S)
    2. Topical coumarin (Not available in U.S.)
    3. Avoid Diuretics (minimal to no effect)
  8. Observe closely for Cellulitis

X. Management: Surgery

  1. Excision of hypertrophic fibrotic subcutaneous tissue
    1. Indicated for elephantiasis
    2. Types of procedures
      1. Charles Operation
      2. Kondoleon Procedure
  2. Lymphatic pedicle transfer
    1. Supplies alternative lymph drainage
    2. No proven efficacy
  3. Microvascular Lymphovenous bypass of obstructed lymph channels
    1. Reduces limb circumference >1.9 cm
    2. Fallahian (2022) Ann Plast Surg 88(2):195-9 +PMID: 34398594 [PubMed]

XI. Resources

  1. National Lymphedema Network Position Papers
    1. http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/positionPapers.htm

XII. References

  1. Novotny (2017) Wound Care Update, Park Nicollet Conference, St Louis Park, MN (attended 9/15/2017)
  2. Shelby (2015) Crit Dec Emerg Med 29(6): 2-8
  3. Sabiston (1997) Surgery, Saunders, p.1574-7
  4. Grada (2017) J Am Acad Dermatol 77(6):995-1006 +PMID: 29132859 [PubMed]
  5. Rockson (2001) Am J Med 110:288-95 [PubMed]

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Related Studies

Ontology: Lymphedema (C0024236)

Definition (CHV) Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes
Definition (CHV) Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes
Definition (CHV) Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes
Definition (CHV) Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes
Definition (CHV) Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes
Definition (MEDLINEPLUS)

Lymphedema is the name of a type of swelling. It happens when lymph builds up in your body's soft tissues. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It usually happens in the arms or legs.

Causes of lymphedema include

  • Infection
  • Cancer
  • Scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgical removal of lymph nodes
  • Inherited conditions in which lymph nodes or vessels are absent or abnormal

Treatment can help control symptoms. It includes exercise, compression devices, skin care, and massage.

NIH: National Cancer Institute
Definition (NCI) Excess fluid collection in tissues, causing swelling. It is the result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes.
Definition (NCI_NCI-GLOSS) A condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling. It may occur in an arm or leg if lymph vessels are blocked, damaged, or removed by surgery.
Definition (NCI_CTCAE) A disorder characterized by excessive fluid collection in tissues that causes swelling.
Definition (MSH) Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.
Definition (CSP) edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.
Concepts Disease or Syndrome (T047)
MSH D008209
SnomedCT 155485008, 266334008, 195486001, 234097001, 30213001
English Lymphedema, Lymphedemas, LYMPHEDEMA, LYMPHOEDEMA, Lymphedema NOS, lymphedema (diagnosis), lymphedema, Lymphoedema NOS, Lymphedema [Disease/Finding], lymphedemas, oedema lymphatic, lymphatic oedema, lymphatic edema, Lymphatic Oedema, Lymphatic Edema, Lymphoedemas, Acquired lymphedema, Lymphatic edema, Lymphatic oedema, Lymphoedema, Acquired lymphoedema, Lymphatic edema (morphologic abnormality), Lymphedema (disorder), edema; lymphatic obstruction, edema; lymphatic, lymphatic obstruction; edema, lymphatic; edema, Lymphedema, NOS, Lymphoedema, NOS, Lymphedema, acquired, lymphoedema
French LYMPHOEDEME, Lymphoedème SAI, Lymphoedèmes, Lymphoedème
Portuguese LINFEDEMA, Linfedema NE, Linfedemas, Linfoedema, Linfedema
Spanish LINFEDEMA, Linfedema NEOM, edema linfático (anomalía morfológica), edema linfático, linfedema (trastorno), linfedema adquirido, linfedema, Linfedemas, Linfoedema, Linfedema
German LYMPHOEDEM, Lymphoedem NNB, Lymphoedem, Lymphoedeme, Lymphödem
Italian Linfedemi, Linfedema NAS, Linfedema
Dutch lymfoedeem NAO, lymfatisch; oedeem, lymfatische obstructie; oedeem, oedeem; lymfatische obstructie, oedeem; lymfatisch, lymfoedeem, lymfoedemen, Lymfoedeem, Oedeem, lymf-
Japanese リンパ浮腫, リンパ浮腫ＮＯＳ, ﾘﾝﾊﾟﾌｼｭ, ﾘﾝﾊﾟﾌｼｭNOS
Swedish Lymfödem
Czech lymfedém, Lymfedémy, Lymfedém, Lymfedém NOS
Finnish Lymfedeema
Russian LIMFEDEMA, MILROIA BOLEZN', LIMFANGIEKTATICHESKII OTEK, LIMFATICHESKII OTEK, MEIDZHA BOLEZN', TROFEDEMA, TROFICHESKII OTEK, ЛИМФАНГИЭКТАТИЧЕСКИЙ ОТЕК, ЛИМФАТИЧЕСКИЙ ОТЕК, ЛИМФЕДЕМА, МЕЙДЖА БОЛЕЗНЬ, МИЛРОЯ БОЛЕЗНЬ, ТРОФЕДЕМА, ТРОФИЧЕСКИЙ ОТЕК
Croatian LIMFEDEM
Polish Choroba Milroya, Obrzęk limfatyczny
Hungarian Lymphoedema k.m.n., Lymphoedemak, Lymphoedema, Nyirok eredetű vizenyő
Norwegian Lymfødem
Derived from the NIH UMLS (Unified Medical Language System)

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