By Joachim E. Zuther, The purpose of this article is not only to explain the pathology of lymphedema, a very common condition in the U.S. and worldwide, but also to outline the basic differences between traditional techniques of Massage Therapy and Manual Lymph Drainage, a highly specialized manual treatment technique. Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often the extremities. It may also occur in the face, the trunk, the abdomen or the genital area. Lymphedema is the result of an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant consequences for the patient. Conservative numbers estimate the incidence of secondary upper extremity lymphedema, which in many cases is the result of these surgical interventions, to be around 2.5 million in the U.S. Lymphedema is classified as either primary or secondary.
Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system.
Primary lymphedema usually affects the lower extremities, may be present at birth, but more often develops later in life, often in puberty or during pregnancy. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and often the result of surgery or radiation therapy for cancer. As described above, secondary lymphedema may affect the upper extremities but can also be present in lower extremities. Other causes for the onset of secondary lymphedema may be trauma or infection of the lymphatic system. Primary and secondary lymphedema usually affects one extremity.