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Lymphedema — a disease of the lymphatic system

Lymphedema, also known as lymphatic edema, is a chronic condition that can significantly affect your quality of life. In your body, lymphatic vessels are responsible for removing fluid and dissolved waste products from tissues outside the blood vessels. If this system is damaged or malfunctions somewhere, fluid accumulates in the tissues – much like a clogged pipe – and this buildup causes the uncomfortable symptoms we call lymphedema.

How the lymphatic system works and what it does

Several liters of fluid pass through your lymphatic system every day. This is not just plain water — the lymph contains proteins, dead cells, fats and various waste products. You can think of it as your body’s own cleaning system. If this system does not work properly, these substances cannot be removed from the tissues and swelling occurs in different areas.

Primary lymphedema — when the problem is congenital

Primary lymphedema is the result of a congenital abnormality. This means that your lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes either did not develop properly or do not function correctly from birth. This type is relatively rare — imagine only one person in a small town. Interestingly, it occurs three times more often in women than in men, although the exact reason for this is not yet fully understood by science.

Primary lymphedema can appear at birth, but it may also first manifest later, in adolescence or even adulthood. If it develops at a young age, it is called the praecox form, while if it appears after the age of 35 it is referred to as the tarda form. Symptoms usually worsen gradually over the years.

Secondary lymphedema — when external factors cause the problem

Secondary lymphedema is much more common. In this case, a previously healthy lymphatic system is damaged by some external factor. The most common trigger is surgery or radiation therapy performed during the treatment of cancer. When doctors remove lymph nodes or radiation damages them, lymph drainage becomes obstructed.

But cancer treatments are not the only cause of lymphedema. Accidents, injuries and various infections can also be behind it. Erysipelas, for example, is a skin infection that often leads to the development of lymphedema.

Chronic venous conditions, such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, also increase the risk of developing lymphedema.

You should not forget the role of lifestyle either. A sedentary lifestyle and obesity significantly increase the likelihood of developing lymphedema. If you lie or sit for long periods, or live with significant excess weight, your lymphatic system has a harder time doing its job.

The gradual onset and stages of lymphedema

The condition does not develop overnight — it is a gradual process. At first, you may not even notice the changes. This is called the latent stage, when your lymphatic system is already damaged but not yet causing visible symptoms.

The first visible sign is usually a soft, doughy swelling that leaves an indentation when pressed with a finger. In this early stage there is still a chance that the swelling will subside on its own if you rest or elevate the affected limb.

As the condition progresses, the swelling becomes permanent and the tissues begin to harden. At this point, resting will no longer make it go away completely. Without proper treatment, the situation can worsen further. In the third stage, the swelling becomes so firm that it no longer retains a finger indentation, and the skin thickens, becoming elephantine in appearance.

The most severe state is known as elephantiasis, when the limb swells and deforms so much that everyday movement is significantly restricted. You will certainly want to avoid this, which is why it is important to recognize the symptoms early and begin treatment.

Try to maintain a positive attitude. Although lymphedema is not curable, it can be well managed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle measures. The earlier you start treatment and the more consistently you follow the recommendations, the better results you can achieve. Remember, you are not alone — look for people in similar situations, join support groups where you can exchange experiences and receive advice from others who face the same challenges.

Living with lymphedema can be challenging, but with the right knowledge, attention and professional help you can lead a full, active life. The key is early recognition, regular treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you follow these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve your quality of life.

Treatment of lymphedema takes place 5% in the clinic and 95% at the patient’s home. In this article Dr. Zátrok Zsolt presents home treatment options and gives advice on lifestyle, nutrition and exercise.

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