Lymphedema Symptoms

Thursday, June 17th, 2010 at 9:43 am

lymphedema symptoms

Lymphedema Symptoms

Lymphedema is a condition where there is obstruction of the lymphatic system which causes alterations in the lymphatic system functions. This lymphedema can occur due to many reasons, including infections like filariasis, blockage of lymph nodes, post surgical complication, etc. In fact, lymphedema is very common following radical surgery in cases of breast cancer. In some cases, the lymphedema may even be primary, that is inherited in nature, whereas sometimes, even trauma and injury to the lymphatic vessels can lead to obstruction of the flow of lymph, which could cause lymphedema. Given below are the various lymphedema symptoms.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Edema and Swelling
One of the most obvious lymphedema signs and symptoms is the presence of a visible swelling along with severe edema. This swelling may be restricted to a certain area or region, or may even be generalized in appearance. Thus, one of the earliest signs to lookout for is when clothes or wrist watches or socks suddenly become very tight in an uneven pattern. In filiariasis, which is also known as elephantiasis, there are leg and Arm Lymphedema Symptoms seen, wherein the limbs swell up to a very large extent, due to which the swellings are separated by uneven folds. This edema may be pitting, that is, it leaves a mark on the skin after it is pressed, or it may be non-pitting, that is, the skin comes back to normal after it is pressed. If the swelling continues unabated, without any medical or surgical interventions, it could go on to form a very large and bulky swollen mass of tissue which becomes non-responsive in nature.

Skin Changes
Sometimes, along with lymphedema, there are changes seen on the surface of the affected skin as well. The affected skin often becomes coarse and discolored. There may even be hyperpigmentation seen on the surface of the skin, mostly in patches. The skin may develop slight irregular patches and is often rough to touch. Furthermore, in some severe and long standing cases, there may even be ulceration on the surface of the skin. Increased chances of skin disorders, like fungal infections, and inflammatory conditions of the skin may also further worsen the existing lymphedema symptoms. Due to the continuous swelling, the skin may get stretched, leading to excessive skin tightness.

Other Symptoms
The person often feels fatigued and may feel general weakness. There is often slight pain or a dull and nagging ache in the limbs, which ceases to go away. There may even be decreased flexibility of the hands and legs leading to restricted motion and movement of the limbs. In fact, heavy and swollen limbs often lead to difficulty in walking, which may eventually lead to the person not being able to do normal day to day activities, thus, causing further deterioration of the health of the person. Other systemic signs and symptoms include fever, body pain, redness, irritability, etc.

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It is important to deal with lymphedema symptoms on a priority basis, as when a person is suffering from this condition, he or she is at an added risk of contracting an infection. This is so because the main function of the lymph is to maintain the immunity of the person, and thus, if anything causes the lymphatic system to compromise in its functioning, then it could lead to the contraction of infectious diseases. Thus, as the treatment options for lymphedema are also limited, and the damage done is rarely reversible, it is best to get this condition treated at the earliest so as to prevent any widespread damage of body tissues.

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