Definition

Progressive swelling of a limb due to failure of the lymphatic system to drain fluid distally to proximally. The lymphatic system drains excess fluid from the interstitium back to the venous circulation. Lymphoedema occurs when this system fails. It can be a debilitating condition for which there is no cure, only palliative treatment. The most common lymphoedema problem in the Western world is due to cancer or its treatment (radiotherapy); the most common cause worldwide is filarial infection (elephantiasis).

Causes