Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an unusual buildup of fluid that causes swelling, typically in the arms or legs. The condition develops when lymph vessels or lymph nodes within the lymphatic system, which extends throughout the body, are damaged or removed.

The University of Kansas Health System offers the region's only surgical lymphedema treatment program. Our dedicated care team is committed to supporting you and meeting your needs.

Lymphedema is uncommon swelling that can occur in the arms or legs. The swelling is caused by the disruption of the flow of normal lymph fluid within the lymph system, which is part of the immune system. Swelling may occur initially after a traumatic event, such as a cut or sports injury, following an infection or as a side effect of cancer treatment.

The most common cause of lymphedema is cancer treatment. It can occur when breast, gynecologic or other surgery includes removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy. With early detection and intervention, lymphedema may be preventable and reversible.

The earliest sign of lymphedema is a dull, heavy ache in the back of the arm from which lymph nodes were removed that lasts more than a day or 2. The ache is uncomfortable but not painful. These signs and symptoms don't always mean lymphedema and could be a result of treatment or healing but should always be checked out.

Other later symptoms of lymphedema may include:

• Aching or pain in the arm
• Bra, clothing or jewelry don't fit as normal
• Feeling of heaviness, fullness or tightness in the arm, chest or armpit area
• Gradual increase in swelling, although it may first appear suddenly
• Swelling in the hand
• Thickening of or changes in the skin
• Trouble bending or moving a joint, such as the fingers, wrist, elbow or shoulder
• Weakness and easy tiring of the arm

If cellulitis, or infection, occurs, it will appear red, hot, painful and swollen. An arm with lymphedema is at a higher risk for infection than an unaffected arm. If you notice any of these symptoms, have any concerns or you're not already seeing a lymphedema specialist, then you should notify your cancer surgeon right away. If infection symptoms occur, this is serious and may require a trip to the emergency room.

Those at risk for development of lymphedema can have onsets related to injury of the arm. You should avoid any blood pressure cuffs, blood draws or IV needles, tattoos, cuts or scrapes to prevent the onset or worsening of lymphedema.

Your doctor may diagnose lymphedema based on your symptoms if you are already at risk due to recent cancer surgery or other surgery involving the lymph nodes. In other cases, your doctor may suggest imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to check for lymph system blockages or other signs of lymphedema.

Lymphedema screening is a quick and easy process that can help identify those people who are most at risk for lymphedema and ensure that any warning signs or symptoms of lymphedema can be caught and managed early.

Compression sleeves and massage therapy are the most common forms of prevention and treatment for lymphedema. It is important to be measured and fitted for sleeves to ensure they are the correct size. Being active and maintaining activity is also a crucial component of prevention. Yoga, Pilates and lifting light weights (with your doctor's approval) have all been shown to reduce the risk of onset lymphedema.

A combination of lymph node removal and radiation puts people at the highest risk of developing lymphedema. Who gets lymphedema and why continues to be poorly understood. There is ongoing research to try to understand the process better and how to best prevent it. Since there is no way to predict who will be affected by lymphedema, our prevention clinics monitor and assess the journey of all patients.

For people who are showing early signs, we see them more frequently to ensure our interventions are working and they are not developing irreversible lymphedema. If caught early, lymphedema can be reversed in many cases.

The University of Kansas Health System offers the region's only surgical lymphedema treatment program. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons is dedicated to supporting your care and meeting your needs.