Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Form of a venous disease that occurs when veins in the legs are damaged. The veins have limited ability to manage blood flow making it difficult for the blood in the legs to return to the heart. Complications of chronic venous insufficiency include skin changes, varicose veins, venous ulcers (open sores), infections, chronic pain and increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
Post Thrombotic Syndrome
Chronic venous insufficiency caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 20% to 50% of people diagnosed with a DVT develop post thrombotic syndrome.
Breast Cancer – Related Lymphedema
Treatment often requires removal of lymph nodes and damage to vessels, preventing lymphatic fluid from draining. This leads to buildup of fluid in the tissues of the breast, trunk, back, arm, or hand. 20-40% of breast cancer survivors will develop lymphedema in the arm and nearly 50% develop lymphedema in the trunk or breast after treatment.
Radiation Treatment
Radiation can contribute to the development of lymphedema by causing damage to lymphatic vessels and creating scar tissue that impairs fluid drainage. Radiation may cause fibrosis which affects lymphatic vessels and reduces their elasticity.
Head and Neck Cancer – Related Lymphedema
75% of patients experience lymphedema related to radiation and surgery. Lymphedema in head and neck cancer patients can happen almost anywhere in the face, head, or neck. The swelling can be visible or non-visible.
Lymphedema Due to Gynecological Conditions
Lymphedema after gynecological cancer treatment is common from damage to the lymphatic system during surgery, radiation, or other cancer therapies leading to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces of the lower extremities, abdomen, or hips.
Lymphedema after Orthopedic Surgery
Chronic swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage often due to surgical trauma, inflammation, or immobility. While post-surgical swelling is normal, persistent or worsening swelling beyond the expected recovery time may indicate lymphedema.
Primary Lymphedema
Caused by inherited gene mutations. Conditions like Milroy’s disease present at birth and Meige disease which appears during puberty are examples.
Secondary Lymphedema
Most common and results from external factors.
Lymphedema Due to Infection
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that invades the tissue causing inflammation and potentially damage lymphatic vessels. The damage increases risk of fluid build up and swelling. Filariasis is a parasitic infection. The parasites often live in the lymphatic system for 5-7 years. Over time they cause blockages, leading to severe swelling and elephantitis.
Obesity Related Lymphedema
Obesity is a major risk factor especially with a BMI over 40. Excess adipose tissue produces a protein that disrupts fluid drainage. This overloads the lymphatic system leading to chronic swelling.
Trauma
Disruption of the lymphatic system due to injury