It is caused by a low output failure of the lymphatic system. When the balance of normal lymphatic protein load and less lymph vascular transport are altered, plasma protein in a tissue is stopped. This impairs lymphatic flow and becomes stagnant since fluid leaks into surrounding tissues. This becomes a favorable environment for breeding infection like a warm shallow swamp breeds mosquitoes. Causes of Lymphedema Lymphedema arises when there is an imbalance of protein load and reduced transport capacity of the lymphatic system known as mechanical insufficiency.
Proteins accumulate in the interstitial tissue.
Normally, lymph nodes would prevent this accumulation from occurring, but when the lymphatic system has fewer nodes, this is more difficult. To simplify this statement, here is a more specific explanation. During a mastectomy, lymph nodes are removed to ensure the cancer has not spread throughout the lymphatic system and into other parts of the body. Usually the more extensive the surgery, the greater the chance a person has of developing lymphedema. Each person is born with a certain number of lymph nodes.