A 38-year-old member asked:
Can you please define lymphedema and what are the potential causes?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Milleranswered
Wound care 38 years experience
Circulation System: Lymphedema occurs when there is a 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 propelled along by normal body movements but contains a thick material called lymph. Blockage causes it to back up causing soft tissues/skin deformity.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Thomas Wrightanswered
Phlebology 31 years experience
Several cuases: Lymphedema is cause by poor circulation of lymph which is the protein filled fluid that circulates and bathes cells. Usually it is caused from injury by cancer, surgery, or infection. It can be caused by obesity or pregnancy with the weight of the belly impairing circulation. In these last two cases if or when the weight is removed, the lymphedema may resolve.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed Dec 29, 2022
Dr. Margarita Correa-Perezanswered
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 43 years experience
Lymphedema : Potential causes are primary - hereditary/congenital this mean patients are born with a lymphatic system that can be hypoplastic or aplastic. Secondary lymphedema is caused by an obstruction or impairment of lymph nodes either because they are resected or removed by surgery, radiation, scar tissue and related to other diseases affecting the lymphatic system.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
What is lymphedema? What are the potential causes?
5 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. M. Hytham Beckanswered
Surgery 45 years experience
Many cxauses: lymphedema is either a blockage in the lymphatic by parasites which common in Africa and very rare in the USA and called elephant leg
or situation in the veins that will create enough edema that will create high pressure to block the lymphatic return as well as the venous return and cause severe edema that will not go away by elevation and requred a specific higher pressure by stocking or machine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 29, 2022
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