Firelands Lymphedema Centre Patient Services Lymphedema Program Lymph is a clear fluid that is produced in the blood stream and bathes the cells of the body, feeding them nutrients and removing their waste. When lymph vessels are blocked or damaged, excess lymph fluid begins to accumulate. If this blockage persists, lymphedema the chronic swelling of arms, legs or other parts of the body - results. Lymphedema afflicts approximately one percent of all Americans. It can affect infants, children, women and men of all ages.
Primary lymphedema occurs without an obvious cause.
The condition may be present at birth, or may develop later in life. Primary lymphedema, which is sometimes hereditary, is more common in women and most often occurs in the lower extremities. Secondary lymphedema results from damage to the lymph system caused by infection, radiation, surgery or other injuries. Over two million Americans have secondary lymphedema. The most common cause is breast cancer treatment that results in the swelling of an arm.