Types of Lymphedema
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema, also known as congenital lymphedema, can be present at birth or develop at the onset of puberty or in adulthood, all from a variety of causes. This is a less common type of lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema, also known as acquired lymphedema, is the more common type. Most often, secondary lymphedema occurs following surgery, especially after the removal of one or more lymph nodes. Among the surgeries that require the removal of lymph nodes are those for breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate, testicular, bladder and colon cancer, and melanoma. Lymphedema can develop immediately after surgery or months to years following cancer treatment. Secondary lymphedema can also develop following scarring from infection or radiation therapy, or it may result from traumatic injury to a part of the lymphatic system.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary and secondary. Primary lymphedema, also known as congenital lymphedema, can be present at birth or develop at the onset of puberty or in adulthood, all from a variety of causes. This is a less common type of lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema, also known as acquired lymphedema, is the more common type. Most often, secondary lymphedema occurs following surgery, especially after the removal of one or more lymph nodes. Among the surgeries that require the removal of lymph nodes are those for breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate, testicular, bladder and colon cancer, and melanoma. Lymphedema can develop immediately after surgery or months to years following cancer treatment. Secondary lymphedema can also develop following scarring from infection or radiation therapy, or it may result from traumatic injury to a part of the lymphatic system.
