Lymphedema Research Paper

The disease I chose for this topic is Lymphedema. “Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Sometimes both arms or both legs swell. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic system”(Mayo Clinic Research) The word Lymphedema is broken down into two words, Lymph that is the colorless fluid in your body. Edema, which means swelling. Lymphedema occurs when fluids build up in the soft tissues of the body.
There are 2 basic types of lymphedema. The Primary type is heredity, which means you are/were born with it. Secondary type is acquired, which means it came from a cause such as surgery, trauma, injury, etc. Lymphedema can appear directly after surgery or trauma's or even 20 years down the road. “Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. Lymphedema can cause long-term physical, psychological, and social problems for patients.”(National Cancer Institute) Lymphorrhea is the taking of lymph that has ruptured through the skin from skin breakdowns. Self induced lymphedema is very rare but reported in which a tourniquet creates a fibrotic ring that causes fluid builds up. …show more content…
• Stage 1: Completely and spontaneously reversible lymphedema. Lymphedema is considered chronic after 3 months.
• Stage 2: Spontaneously irreversible lymphedema. Edema persists for some times and fibrous tissue