Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in a body compartment, such as the arm, leg or trunk. It is caused by a person's lymphatic system failing to work correctly and can lead to swelling in the affected area of the body. In lymphedema patients, this cleansing mechanism does not function.
Primary lymphedema develops for no determined reason.
A child may be born with the condition, or it may develop later in life. This form of lymphedema is more common in women and generally affects the legs. Secondary lymphedema develops as the result of damage to the lymphatic system. This may result from trauma, surgery, radiation, cancer, infection or scarring. Although lymphedema generally affects the extremities, it can develop in any part of the body.