General Lymphedema Information

• Is where much of the body’s defence against disease and infection is located.
  
  
• It is made up of lymph fluid, lymph nodes and lymph vessels.
  
  
• Lymph fluid contains white blood cells that help to fight infection.
  
  
• Lymph nodes work to block infection by filtering out toxins and germs.
  
  
• Lymph vessels are the transit system that lymph fluid travels along.
  
  
• When the lymphatic system functions well, it helps to keep your body healthy.

When the lymphatic system is faulty or has been damaged, fluid may collect in the tissues and this build up can cause swelling or other effects that could be the early signs of lymphedema.

There are two types of lymphedema: primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema.

Primary Lymphedema

Some people are born with a faulty lymphatic system; it may be inherited or can occur as the fetus develops. When lymphedema is caused by a defect of the lymphatic system, it is called primary lymphedema. It may be present at birth, develop when puberty begins or in adulthood.

Primary lymphedema is a lifelong condition with no known cure at this time. Ongoing management and care is the key to the best quality of life with primary lymphedema.