How Is Lymphedema Diagnosed?įirst, your doctor will examine you and ask you when you first noticed the problem. You should make sure there is no other cause of the swelling that needs immediate treatment, like a blood clot. It is very important to see a doctor right away to find out why you have swelling. The joints in the part of the body with lymphedema may feel stiff or sore.You may feel upset, depressed, embarrassed, or angry about the lymphedema.Wounds may heal more slowly on the part of your body that has lymphedema.This happens because the cells that prevent infection can’t reach that part of your body. Lymphedema raises your risk of getting an infection in the swollen area.What Health Problems Can Lymphedema Cause? If you notice any swelling after cancer treatment, talk to your doctor about what is causing it and how best to treat it. Clothing and jewelry fit more tightly on the affected area.The arm or leg with lymphedema feels heavy.The skin in that area feels tight, and sometimes has a tingling sensation.Your arm, leg, or other part of your body has a little swelling at first, but gets bigger over time.Radiation treatment can damage the lymph vessels, resulting in too much lymph fluid in the tissues.īefore you have surgery or radiation treatment for cancer, ask your doctor what can be done to lower the chances that you will get lymphedema.This can cause the fluid to build up in surrounding tissues. Surgery to remove cancer may also remove lymph nodes or some of the vessels that carry the lymph fluid.Sometimes a cancerous tumor can get big enough to block the lymph system.Lymphedema can be caused by cancer or by cancer treatment. Sometimes this swelling develops quickly, or it may develop slowly over several months. Lymph fluid is part of the lymph system that carries fluid and cells that help fight infections throughout the body. It usually happens in the arms or legs, but can occur in other parts of the body. ![]() If the drain is clogged, the fluid cannot drain. ![]() Lymph nodes act like a drain in your sink. Lymphedema is swelling due to build-up of lymph fluid in the body. We answer common questions about lymphedema and offer tips for living with lymphedema. Cancer or cancer treatment can cause lymphedema.
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