What is Lymphedema? Symptoms, Causes and Current Treatment Approaches

Lymphedema is a circulatory disorder that occurs as a result of the accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues and is accompanied by chronic swelling and tissue hardening. It is most common in the arms and legs, but it can also affect different parts of the body.

Lymphedema is not just an aesthetic swelling; It is a medical condition that reduces the quality of life by causing pain, tension, limitation of movement and increased risk of infection.

Early treatment stops the progression and greatly facilitates the daily life of patients. Thanks to modern treatment approaches, significant improvement can be achieved both functionally and aesthetically.

Lenfödem Nedir? Belirtileri, Nedenleri ve Güncel Tedavi Yaklaşımları

Causes of Lymphedema

Lymphedema can be primary (congenital) or secondary (developed later).

Primary Lymphedema

Congenital disorder of development of lymphatic vessels Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or adulthood.

Secondary Lymphedema

  • most common cause
  • Removal of lymph nodes after cancer surgery
  • Radiotherapy Apart from these
  • Surgical interventions
  • Trauma
  • infections
  • venous insufficiency

The development of lymphedema in the arm is especially common after breast cancer.

Lymphedema does not occur after every surgery – risk must be assessed and follow-up performed.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of lymphedema progress slowly and may not be noticed in the early stages.

Most common findings

  • Significant swelling on one side (arm or leg)
  • Feeling of tension and heaviness
  • Thickening/hardening of the skin
  • Fullness in fingers
  • Increase in arm or leg circumference
  • Shoe/accessory squeezing
  • recurring infections

In the later stages, skin changes and movement limitation may occur.

Lymphedema Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is supported by physical examination and imaging methods
  • Clinical evaluation
  • ultrasound
  • MRI lymphangiography
  • Lymphoscintigraphy in advanced cases

Diagnosing at an early stage when physical findings are mild increases the success of treatment.

Treatment Approaches

  • Lymphedema treatment is planned individually. Aim
  • reduce swelling
  • prevent infection
  • Maintaining tissue quality
  • increase function
  • stopping the progression of the disease
  • Conservative Treatment
  • Manual lymphatic drainage
  • Compression bandages and compression garments
  • Skin care—infection prevention
  • Exercise (programs that increase lymph circulation)
  • Lymphatic device therapy

These treatments can be very effective in the early stages.

Surgical Treatment Options

In advanced cases of lymphedema, surgery can significantly improve quality of life.

Microsurgical techniques

  • 1. Lymphatic–venous anastomosis (LVA)
  • Connecting lymph vessels to veins
  • Addition of lymph fluid to the circulation through a new route
  • 2. Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT)
  • Transplantation of healthy lymph nodes
  • Reestablishing lymph drainage
  • 3. Debulking + liposuction supports
  • Reducing hardened fat and fluid tissue that accumulates in chronic tissue

Surgery works best when planned together with conservative treatments.

Goal: To alleviate the current load while the system is reinstalled.

Recovery Process and Long-Term Follow-Up

  • After treatment
  • Significant reduction in swelling
  • Decrease in pain and pressure sensation
  • Increased mobility
  • Comfort in daily life

Follow-up and maintenance are important for the process to be successful.

Lymphedema and Psychological Impact

Emotional wear and tear may occur in patients who experience long-term body changes. Therefore, a supportive approach is as important as medical treatment.

Patients are made aware, included in the process, and do not feel alone.

Lymphedema is a manageable and controllable condition. With early diagnosis, expert follow-up and correct treatment planning, patients can regain their freedom of movement, function and quality of life.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. M. Beşir Öztürk

Specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery