Lymphedema Primary Lymphedema Congenital lymphedema Primary lymphedema praecox Milroy's disease Lymphedema tarda Meige's disease Secondary Lymphedema Post-surgical lymphedema Post-radiation lymphedema Filariasis-related lymphedema Lipedema CLINICAL FEATURES Chronic swelling Usually unilateral, but can be bilateral More likely to occur in lower limbs May cause skin changes Pitting edema (early) Fibrotic edema (late) Skin thickening Papillomatosis Hyperkeratosis Lymphorrhea PATHOPHYSIOLOGY Impaired lymphatic fluid drainage Protein-rich fluid build-up in tissues Inflammation Fibrosis Scarring & loss of connective tissue Lymphatic dysfunction STAGING Stage 0: Latent phase Lymphatic transport defect present No obvious signs or symptoms Stage I: Reversible lymphedema Pitting edema, resolves with elevation Spontaneously reversible but worsens with time Stage II: Spontaneously irreversible lymphedema Fibrosis starts developing, pitting edema limits to hardened areas Tissue starts to harden Stage III: Lymphostatic elephantiasis Massive irreversible lymphedema Large limbs Hardened tissue Skin changes DIAGNOSIS & MANAGEMENT History & physical examination Imaging studies Lymphoscintigraphy MRI CT scan Compression therapy Manual lymphatic drainage Exercise therapy Skin care Pneumatic compression pumps Surgical interventions Liposuction Vascularized lymph node transfer Lymphovenous anastomosis COMPLICATIONS Cellulitis Lymphangitis Skin infections Chronic ulcers Mental health issues