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. Because the program is physician-directed, the center provides CDT and continuous medical evaluation to ensure a safe, effective treatment plan. The lymphedema team individualizes each treatment plan according to a patient's symptoms. However, the key to all treatment plans is compression bandaging.