Information for patients
Cause, Diagnosis and Therapy
Lymphoedema is a chronic, progressive disease characterised by a pathological reduction in the formation and/or transportation of lymphatic fluid. Large molecules such as proteins and the liquid that makes up lymph then accumulate in the tissues, resulting in swelling.
Causes, diagnosis and therapies
Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic flow is blocked or disrupted and the lymphatic system's compensatory mechanisms are no longer sufficient. This can occur as a result of removal of lymph nodes during surgical treatment of a tumour, due to radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or after orthopaedic or vascular surgery. The swelling that occurs is known as secondary lymphedema.
Primary lymphedema, on the other hand, is the result of a malformation of the lymphatic structures (vessels and/or lymph nodes), often due to a genetic mutation.
These malformations prevent lymph from flowing normally, so it accumulates in the areas concerned and causes swelling.
We recommend the Cancer League brochure Lymphoedema after cancer, in German, French oder Italian.
It contains information on the lymphatic system, the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema, and recommended everyday behavior for people suffering from lymphoedema.
