The causes of secondary lymphedema are diverse. An operation, an injury, radiotherapy or inflammation can all disrupt small and larger lymph vessels.

The remaining lymph vessels are unable to dispose of the water accumulated in the tissue : this is how lymphedema develops. The most common cause seen in the western world is surgery in case of cancer with the removal or radiation of the lymph nodes. The longer the operation lies back, the lower the probability to develop edema, as long as the patient takes the required measures.

The formation of lymphedema is reduced if the patient observes some precaution measures. If the suggested measures are not observed, the formation of edema is stimulated. Our experience unfortunately taught us the following : « once lymphedema, always lymphedema ».

This means that preventing lymphedema is the top priority to have. If no edema tends to appear right after cancer surgery, but appears after many months or years, in spite of the fact that one followed the preventive measures suggested, it is imperative to be examined by a physician to see if any new tumor growths should be excluded.

Once lymphedema appears, lifelong therapy is required. The extent of the therapy depends on the progression observed. It is possible that lymphedema, which very seldom is painful, appears on an arm and/or chest. Without treatment, lymphedema is mostly a progressive disease (for complications, please consult « Primary lymphedema ») and can lead to monstruous proportions (elephantiasis)