Expert Care for Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs most often in the arms or legs. The swelling, which usually develops gradually, can extend to the hands and feet. It may become painful and limit range of motion in the affected area.
UT Southwestern’s expert physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, cancer surgeons, and plastic surgeons provide exceptional care to lymphedema patients. In particular, we specialize in treatments for patients who develop lymphedema following surgery for breast cancer and other types of cancer.
Types of Lymphedema
Secondary lymphedema is the most common form of the disease. It is caused by damage to lymph nodes or vessels that results from another disease, such as cancer, lymph node infection, traumatic injury, or parasites.
Secondary lymphedema can also result from treatment methods for diseases, including radiation treatment for cancer and lymph node removal.
Primary lymphedema is a rare genetic form of the disease that causes lymph nodes or vessels to develop incompletely or not at all.