Causes of Lymphoedema

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Lymphoedema can occur for no apparent reason (primary lymphoedema) or it can occur as a consequence of another problem (secondary lymphoedema). Secondary Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged by surgery and/or radiotherapy (as in cancer treatment), or as a result of infection, severe injury, burns, or trauma.

In primary lymphoedema the lymphatic vessels themselves are often abnormal. They may not have developed properly, or their tiny valves may be faulty. Primary lymphoedema is often hereditary and is more common in women. Although lymphoedema may be present from birth, the symptoms may not appear until puberty (Primary Lymphoedema Praecox), or in later life (Primary Lymphoedema Tarda).

Secondary lymphoedema is often linked to cancer. It is common for areas of tissue, including lymph nodes, to be surgically removed during cancer treatment. Breast cancer treatment often involves the removal of lymph nodes in the armpit. The affected area may then be treated with radiotherapy, which can cause scar tissue to build up and block the remaining lymph nodes.

Rarely, lymphoedema may be due to a cancerous growth in a lymph node, which causes a lymphatic vessle to become blocked.

The cause of lipoedema is unknown. Current research aims to identify particular genes that may cause lipoedema to develop in some people and not others.