Lymphedema symptoms in women are very similar or identical to those in men. However, women are more often affected by lymphedema than men. The causes can be quite different depending on the type of edema.
Even though lymphedema is not curable, it can be treated. The earlier it is detected and treated, the fewer the consequences and limitations in life. This article is about how you can recognize the symptoms of lymphedema. It is important: As soon as you suspect symptoms, you should clarify them with a doctor.
Lymphedema - differentiation from lipedema
Lymphedema is occasionally confused with lipedema not only because of the similar-sounding name, but there are also similarities in appearance.
Lipedema is a congenital fat distribution disorder that occurs almost exclusively in women. This disorder manifests itself in swollen arms and legs, or more precisely, the subcutaneous fat tissue swells in the process. Lipedema always appears on both arms or legs.
In contrast, lymphedema usually swells only one arm or leg. The cause is not a disturbance in fat distribution, but that fluid builds up in the tissue.
The causes of lymphedema in women
There are various causes for the occurrence of lymphedema in women, which are first divided into two categories. A distinction is made between primary (congenital) lymphedema and secondary lymphedema. In industrialized countries, secondary lymphedema is present in the vast majority of cases.
Primary lymphedema
Primary lymphedema occurs in about one third of patients and mainly affects girls and young women. It can be congenital or occur during puberty. Lymphedema can also occur during pregnancy.
This form of lymphedema occurs in the legs in the majority of patients. Here, in 60% of cases, swelling also occurs on both sides, but this does not have to happen at the same time. It is first seen on the toes and forefeet, and only as the disease progresses do swellings appear on the lower legs and thighs. On the arms, primary lymphedema, like secondary, occurs only on one side.
Primary lymphedema is caused by a malposition of the lymphatic vessels or a congenital absence of the lymphatic channels. In addition, too few or too narrow lymph vessels can be part of the cause.
Lymphedema after cancer therapy
The most common cause or trigger for secondary lymphedema is a tumor or cancer therapy. The radiation or surgery damages the lymphatic system. Thus, women who have undergone breast cancer surgery are mostly affected. In such a case, lymphedema usually appears on the arms.
Lymphedema that develops as a result of cancer therapy occurs in the vast majority of cases directly after cancer therapy, but it can also develop several months or even years later. If it occurs later, scar shrinkage or radiation damage are usually responsible.
However, due to the advancement of surgical and radiation techniques, the occurrence of lymphedema after such treatment has been greatly reduced in recent years.
Other causes of secondary lymphedema can include a wide variety of injuries. These include burns, insect bites, inflammations or even sunburns. In addition, malignant tumors in the lymph nodes can cause lymphedema.
How do I recognize lymphedema as a woman?
The earlier lymphedema is detected, the more successful the treatment options. The severity of lymphedema can be divided into four different phases, all of which show more or less different symptoms.
The one-sided swelling, which has already been mentioned, is a strong visual characteristic of lymphedema. However, this usually only becomes visible when the condition is more advanced. If lymphedema appears suddenly and without any other cause or external influence, a previously undetected tumor may be the cause.
Symptoms of lymphedema in the initial phase
At the beginning, swelling occurs, which the affected person usually notices by the fact that the clothes are too tight on the body. This type of swelling still feels very soft in most cases. Typically, the swellings still recede slightly at the beginning by elevating the legs or arms. It can also be recognized by the fact that a dent is left behind after the skin has been pressed in for a long time.
Other signs at the beginning of lymphedema is the feeling of heaviness in the affected areas of the body. Legs and arms quickly become tired and and a feeling of pressure or even tension develops.
This fatigue is particularly noticeable after physical activity that could previously still be performed without major problems. A feeling that one's own strength is slowly dwindling develops.
The swelling can also restrict mobility, which can also cause pain.
These symptoms are typical for the first and second phase of lymphedema.
Stemmer's sign is also a means of diagnosis.
Symptoms of lymphedema in the later stages
As the disease progresses, elevating the arms and legs does not reduce the swelling.
The skin can no longer be raised and the connective tissue hardens. In some sufferers, the veins become quite visible as the skin is supplied with blood more than normal. Another sign may be a feeling of numbness in the affected areas of the body.
In the late stages, the swellings are extremely pronounced and are difficult or impossible to treat.
If you suspect you have lymphedema, you should not wait long and consult a doctor. It is important to detect it as early as possible to avoid damage such as hardened tissue or changes in the skin.
If lymphedema is diagnosed, you can also do a lot about it proactively, such as physical therapy lymphatic drainage. However, it is important that it is recognized so that you can act quickly.
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Author: Physiotherapist Marvin Seidel
Source and image source: Clubsante, # 321282825 Eno1 / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 19 July 2022