Whether you have been newly diagnosed, or a Lymphedema sufferer for many years, we sincerely hope that you will find this site a sanctuary that you can visit to locate information and meet with others in a similar position.
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Lymphoedema is a condition which may affect anyone, at any time. However, it occurs with greater frequency in females. It is often distressing, can be debilitating, and is often also painful, showing itself as swelling of the limbs and body. The most common form of lymphedema is in a limb, but it can affect any part of the body or internal organs. At the end of the 20th century, it is far more common than is accepted by the medical profession. Lymphedema can occur at any time, once the lymphatics are damaged. Sometimes, it can start immediately and lasts for life; the oedema may occur for a while then disappear, and may or may not re-occur; or it may appear years after the event in which the lymphatics are damaged, and can be triggered by a seemingly trivial event, such as sunburn, carrying heavy weights or a long flight. Primary Lymphoedema is usually determined from birth and is often due to the under-development of the lymphatic system - usually too few lymphatics, but there may also be cases where the lymph vessels be adequate in number, but are very dilated and do not pump properly. It can develop at any stage of life, but is most likely to occur at adolescence (known as lymphoedema praecox). It is less likely to start later in life (lymphoedema tarda). Primary lymphoedema usually worsens quite slowly. Secondary Lymphoedema occurs where the lymphatic system becomes impaired following surgery and/or radiotherapy (as in cancer treatment) or as a result of infection, severe injury, burns or trauma. It may worsen quite rapidly.
August 2002
November 2001
