The most prominent symptom of lymphedema is swelling usually in the arms and legs due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in interstitial tissue. When lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, more protein-rich fluid than usual collects in the tissues of the affected area. Also, the stagnant protein-rich fluid causes the size and number of tissue channels to increase, indicated by swelling. Lymphedema occurs in two forms.
Primary lymphedema is when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired.
Secondary or Aquired lymphedema is when lymphatic vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed. Causes usually include surgery, radiation, therapy, injury, limb paralysis, infection, or inflammation. This webpage will only cover upper arm secondary lymphedema caused by surgery with radiation therapy for breast cancer. Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a common cause of breast cancer for women in the United States. The lymphatic system is a separate for the circulatory system.