Secondary Lymphedema

SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA (SLE) 

Stage 2 lymphedema of the left arm after breast cancer treatment. © Lymph Notes

Secondary lymphedema is an acquired disorder caused by damage to the lymphatic system.

• There are approximately 3 million cases of SLE in the US.
• Cancer treatment is the largest single cause of this condition.

Additional causes are due to:

• injuries,
• surgery,
• radiation,
• joint replacement,
• burns,
• scars, and
• obesity.

SLE usually develops near the location where lymphatic structures have been removed or damaged.

Most commonly SLE is diagnosed in the arms and legs; however, lymphedema also affects other body parts and these cases are named for this affected area.

Another possibility is that the condition can be named for the cause.

© LymphNotes.com 2013.This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: Living With Lymphedema Updated: 2013-08-15