What is Lymphedema?

Information about the types, symptoms, and stages of lymphedema.

Axillary Web Syndrome

AXILLARY WEB SYNDROME (AWS)

Axillary Web syndrome (aws), which is commonly known as cording, occurs in some patients after breast cancer surgery. Cording is described as axillary (arm pit) skin that is overlying cords of tissue that can be felt when palpating (touching) within the arm pit.  These tissues become painful when the arm is raised by moving the arm upward.

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Filariasis

Filariasis, which is also known as lymphatic filariasis, or as elephantiasis, is a devastating infection spread by parasitic mosquitoes in tropical countries. This condition is totally unlike either primary or secondary lymphedema. Rather it is an infection that occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. <more...>

Lymphatic Malformations

Lymphatic malformations are rare conditions in which there is abnormal prenatal development of the lymphatic system that can affect any body part. These conditions can be detected on prenatal ultrasounds but cannot be cured. <more...>

Primary Lymphedema

Secondary Lymphedema

SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA (SLE)

Secondary lymphedema is an acquired disorder caused by damage to the lymphatic system. Cancer treatment is the single largest cause of this condition.

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Truncal Lymphedema

Truncal lymphedema frequently develops following breast or lung cancer treatment and can be present with or without significant involvement of the adjacent arm.

Truncal lymphedema is the pain, and/or swelling, of the breast, chest, back and underarm area that is due to the buildup of lymphatic fluid. It often presents differently than arm edema because inaddition to the fullness, heaviness, or discomfort that you feel when you have arm lymphedema, with breast lymphedema you can also have degrees of discomfort varying from mild to severe pain.

Pain in the affected area may be the first symptom before swelling is obvious.
 

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