When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Lymphedema should not be confused with edema resulting from venous insufficiency, which is not lymph-edema. Secondary lymphedema, or acquired lymphedema, can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema.
Secondary lymphedema can develop immediately post-operatively, or weeks, months, even years later.
This often causes infection and, subsequently, lymphedema. Another cause of lower extremity lymphedema is that resulting from the use of Tamoxifen. Radiation can also cause skin dermatitis or a burn similar to sunburn. Be sure to keep the area soft with lotion recommended by your radiation oncologist. Fibrosis found in Stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.