Patient Information

What happens if Lymphedema is NOT treated?

Chronic lymphedema is a progressive condition that must be treated at the onset. If untreated, lymphedema can lead to:

• Increased limb swelling, reduced range of motion, permanent disfigurement
• Limb heaviness, fungal infections, invasive biological infections
• Recurrent lymphagnitis leading to lymphadenitis, bacteremia
• Lymphatic destruction, thrombosis of lymphatic
• Skin changes, such as hyperkeratosis, fissuring
• Cellulitis, such as erysipelas
• Progressive reduction of lymphatic and vascular circulation
• Chronic ulceration
• Tissue necrosis, gangrene, amputation.

BUT, lymphedema can be treated, managed, and controlled. Although Lymphedema has afflicted the population for centuries, little was understood about the disease. Only in the past ten to fifteen years have clinicians begun to seriously focus on its treatment.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms and legs. Edema occurs when venous and/or lymphatic vessels are impaired. When the impairment is so great that the lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein fluid collects in the tissues of the extremity. Untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen through the transport system, interferes with wound healing and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in various infections.