When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, swelling results as an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the affected area. Two types of lymphedema exist: primary and secondary.
Primary lymphedema can be present at birth (congenital) or develop at the onset of puberty (praecox) or in adulthood (tarda). Secondary lymphedema can be caused by surgeries or radiation treatments and is a common consequence of cancer treatments that remove or damage lymph nodes or vessels.
Over time, lymphedema (especially if poorly treated) often results in number of complications including infections, disfigurement, pain, and disability, and may occasionally prove fatal to its sufferers. But while lymphedema cannot be cured, it can be very effectively managed, thus significantly reducing risk.
The recognized standard of care for lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT comprises four interacting elements applied in two phases (acute and ongoing): manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression therapy, lymph drainage exercises, and skin care. Each of these four elements are interdependent and imperative to the overall success of treatment, however, the most basic element is the application of compression to the swollen body part.
