Symptoms of Lymphedema

I was 12 years old when I first developed lymphedema. The first thing I noticed was how painful my right foot was. I didn't know what was wrong with me but because of the intense pain I was in I didn't go to school that day.

The next day the pain was miraculously gone. However, I had a new problem, a problem that will stay with me for the rest of my life, lymphedema. I didn't know what lymphedema was then, I didn't know what this disorder was called until a few years ago. I do remember getting up the next day to go to school with no pain in my right foot , but unable to get my right shoe to fit my foot. My right foot was swollen. The swelling went from my foot to just above my knee. After a few trips to the doctor the swelling went down, but not down to normal. My right foot and leg is still bigger then my left one.

Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch out for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness. If there is persistent swelling, you should seek immediate medical advice because early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition.

Lymphedema develops in a number of stages, from mild to severe known in medical circles as Stage 1, 2 and 3.

Stage 1 (spontaneously reversible)

Tissue is still at the "pitting" stage, which means that when pressed by fingertips, the area indents and holds the indentation. Usually, when waking up in the morning, the affected area is normal or almost normal size.

Stage 2 (spontaneously irreversible)

The tissue now has a spongy or "non-pitting," which means when pressed by fingertips, the tissue bounces back without any indentation forming. Fibrosis found in stage 2 lymphedema marks the beginning of the hardening of the limbs and increasing size.

Stage 3 (lymphostatic elephantiasis)

At this stage the swelling is irreversible and usually the limb(s) is/are very large. The tissue is hard and unresponsive. Some patients consider undergoing reconstructive surgery called "debulking" at this stage.

When lymphedema remains untreated, protein-rich fluid continues to accumulate leading to an increase of swelling and a hardening of fibrosis of the tissue. In this state, the swollen limb(s) becomes a perfect culture medium for bacteria and possible infections known as lymphangitis. Untreated lymphedema can also lead to a decrease or loss of functioning of the limb(s), skin breakdown, chronic infections and sometimes irreversible complications. In the most severe cases, untreated lymphedema can develop into a rare form of lymphatic cancer called Lymphangiosarcoma. This rare cancer develops most often in secondary lymphedema.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic