Your donation will help fund awareness initiatives, support groups, and medically necessary compression garments for those who cannot obtain them due to financial hardship or limited insurance coverage.
Lymphedema Symptoms
Lymphedema symptoms typically progress gradually over time if left untreated. The severity of symptoms varies depending on the stage of the condition, making early recognition and intervention especially important.
The Johns Hopkins staging system below describes the characteristic signs and symptoms associated with each stage of Lymphedema and how the condition may progress. Although limbs are shown as examples below, Lympedema can affect any body part, including the limbs, abdomen, genitalia, trunk, and/or head and neck.
Staging of Lymphedema
Severe, longstanding Lymphedema results in significant enlargement of the affected limb (elephantiasis). The skin may become thickened and hardened, with deep folds and other skin changes. Mobility may be reduced, and there is a greater risk of complications such as recurrent infections and chronic wounds.
The affected limb appears normal in size, but you may notice a feeling of heaviness, tightness, or fullness. Although the lymphatic system has been compromised, there is no visible swelling yet.
Swelling becomes more persistent and no longer resolves with elevation. The tissues begin to harden due to fibrosis, the skin may feel thicker or firmer, and the affected limb may become noticeably larger. Pressing on the affected area no longer leaves an indentation because of how filled the area is with lymphatic fluid.
Mild swelling develops and may even come and go. The swelling often improves with elevation, and pressing on the affected area may leave a temporary indentation (pitting edema). Early treatment at this stage can help prevent progression.
Don't ignore persistent swelling, a feeling of heaviness or tightness, or changes in the skin!
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to discuss them with your healthcare provider as early as possible.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of Lymphedema, improve symptoms, and reduce complications. Because the early signs of Lymphedema can be subtle and may resemble other conditions, diagnosis is sometimes delayed.
If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you continue to have concerns, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to see a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), who can perform a comprehensive Lymphedema evaluation.
1
2
3
4
