This patient was treated by Steve Norton. Background Lymphedema is a swelling of a body part, most often the extremities. It can also occur in the face, neck, abdomen or genitals. Lymphedema is the result of the abnormal accumulation of protein rich edema fluid in the affected area. Lymphedema is classified as either primary or secondary.
Primary lymphedema is the result of lymphatic dysphasia.
It may be present at birth, but it more often develops later in life without obvious cause. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and is the result of surgery or a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer. Secondary forms may also occur after injury, scarring, trauma or infection of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema has important pathological and clinical consequences. In stage I lymphedema, the swelling consists of protein-rich fluid and may become temporarily reduced by simple elevation of the limb.