Does lymphedema run in the family?

Lymphedema: Lymphedema can be hereditary (labelled as primary) or acquired (secondary). There are many causes of secondary lymphedema. As assessment by a lymphedema specialist is the most important step in diagnosis and treatment. You may need to do considerable investigation in order to find someone or a group of professionals that can help you control this disorder.

Rarely: The vast majority of cases of lymphedema have an identifiable cause, occurring after surgery, cancer, and/or radiation. We call this secondary lymphedema. A far smaller number of cases of lymphedema is primary, meaning that we can't identify the cause. Some of these cases are hereditary, and run in families, but not most, as far as we know.

Minimal association: Lymphedema is when there is compromise of the lymphatic circulation. This third circulation (arteries, veins) carries things too thick to be safely carried in arteries and veins like bacteria eaten by white cells and digested food. It is pushed along by normal body movements. The family tendency to get it may exist but usually involves trauma to the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes to develop it.