Lymphedema is the swelling of legs or arms occurring after cancer treatment. It is caused by the damage or removal of your lymph nodes, which leads to a blockage in the lymphatic system – a part of the immune system. As a result, it leads to the accumulation of lymph fluids and causes swelling. While there is currently no cure for this condition, it would be controlled with early diagnosis and comprehensive care. In this guide, we will show you some symptoms, causes, and treatments of lymphedema.
6 Symptoms of Lymphedema
Swelling
One of the most common symptoms of lymphedema is the swelling in the soft tissue of many parts of the body. These include legs, arms, hand, or breast. In the early stages, your skin might still remain soft. You can check this sign by pressing on the swollen spot and seeing whether it might leave a dent. To diagnose more exactly, the doctor might have to measure the area with a tape measure. When lymphedema progresses, the swelling would become harder and firmer. At this stage, you won’t see a dent when pressing. [1]
