Lymphedema
1. Chronic disorder characterized by excessive accumulation of lymph fluid due to mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system (obstruction of lymph flow or removal of lymph nodes).
2. Lymph fluid volume exceeds the transport capacity/capability of lymph vessels.
3. Results in swelling of the soft tissues of the upper and lower extremities.
4. Primary lymphedema: a congenital or hereditary disorder with abnormal lymph node or lymph vessel formation.
5. Secondary lymphedema: acquired insult to the lymphatic system. Most commonly seen after surgery for breast or cervical cancer. Possible causes include:
a. Surgery including lymph node removal. b. Tumors, trauma, or infection involving lymphatic system structures. c. Radiation therapy. d. Chronic venous insufficiency. e. Filariasis (parasitic infection of the lymphatic system; seen in tropical and subtropical regions).
6. Stages of lymphedema.
a. Stage 0: at risk; swelling is not yet evident despite reduced transport capacity of the system. Also called the latent or pre-clinical stage. b. Stage 1: reversible; early accumulation of fluid with visible swelling; pitting edema that resolves with elevation (reversible pitting edema); Stemmer’s sign is negative. c. Stage 2: spontaneously irreversible; increase in swelling; elevation does not reduce the swelling; positive Stemmer’s sign. d. Stage 3: elephantiasis; fibrotic deep skinfolds; skin may change color; skin changes may limit mobility.
7. Differential diagnosis. a. Lipedema (see Figure 4-13).
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