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Malignant Lymphedema

Introduction

Malignant lymphedema is a form of secondary lymphedema caused by the impaired lymph flow in the lymphatics and/or lymph nodes due to the growth of a malignant tumor that is present in another body system.

Despite the name of this condition it is the tumor, not the lymphedema, that is malignant! As the tumor grows, the swelling blocks the flow of lymph and produces the symptoms of lymphedema.

How Malignant Lymphedema Develops

The differences during the development between malignant lymphedema and secondary lymphedema are compared in the table below.

      Malignant Lymphedema

      Secondary Lymphedema

Malignant lymphedema develops quickly in days or weeks.

Secondary lymphedema frequently develops slowly over months or years.

Malignant lymphedema is very painful because of rapid swelling.

Secondary lymphedema is mostly painless unless the swelling is uncontrolled.

Malignant lymphedema has skin color that is normal -- but shiny due to the rapid swelling. The tissues may become blue due to impaired circulation.

Secondary lymphedema has normal skin color during the early stages. The exception is when an infection is present.

Malignant lymphedema begins with firm tissue consistency.

Secondary lymphedema begins with soft tissue consistency. As the tissues become fibrotic in stage 2 and stage 3, they become harder

The Treatment of Malignant Lymphedema

The principal concern is to find, and treat, the tumor that is causing the pressure. This cancer is treated by the removal of the tumor and this can put the patient at risk for the development of secondary lymphedema.

Lymphangiosarcoma

Because on its name, lymphangiosarcoma could be confused with malignant lymphedema; however there is no connection between these two conditions.

Previously lymphangiosarcoma was a common complication of the massive arm lymphedema that followed the classic Halstedian mastectomy. This radical procedure was abandoned in the late 1960's to early 1970's and has been replaced by much more conservative surgery and radiation therapy. Because of these changes in treating breast cancer and the improvement in treating lymphedema, lymphangiosarcoma is now an extremely rare condition that develops following breast cancer treatment.

References

[1] Lymphedema Management: The Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners, 2nd ed by J. Zuther. Thieme 2009.

[2] When It Isn’t Lymphedema by J.B. Stewart, Lymph Link, Vol 16, No 3 2004, p 1-2.

[3] Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy 2-E, edited by H. Weissleder and C. Schuehhardt. Kagerer Kommunikation, 1997, pages.180-192.

© LymphNotes.com 2009.This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: What is Lymphedema? Updated: 2009-12-02


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