People with stage 3 lymphedema — the most advanced stage — have visible swelling, and the affected area enlarges and becomes misshapen. There is also a higher risk of infection.
Stage 3: Permanent swelling that does not resolve with elevation. Pressing on the area no longer leaves a dent. Changes in the skin with scarring and thickening. Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.
What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With Lymphedema? Lymphedema is a life-long disease, but in most cases, it's not life-threatening as long as you take the right steps to treat it. Consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment options for you.
Stage 2 – not spontaneously reversible lymphedema
The swellings remain even during longer rest periods. The skin is hardened and raising the arms or legs does not bring any relief.
Its main symptom is swelling of the arms or legs, but if left untreated, lymphedema can lead to severe discomfort and life-threatening infections.
In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant. Cancer. A rare form of soft tissue cancer can result from the most-severe cases of untreated lymphedema.
Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. This build-up might cause swelling and discomfort. It often happens in the arms or legs, but can also happen in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen (belly), or genitals.
The swelling of lymphedema can develop quickly or progress over several months. Mild lymphedema might go unnoticed, and lymphedema caused by cancer treatment may not occur until months or years later.
If left untreated, lymphedema gets progressively worse with time. What that usually means is that the affected area becomes more swollen. Over time, you may notice changes in the skin itself. Skin in the affected area may thicken and grow bumps and sores.
Heart conditions: People who have heart issues, particularly congestive heart failure, may develop lymphedema. Your lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into your heart. If your heart isn't working as well as it should, you may notice you're gaining weight or your legs are swollen.
Palliative Care Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema (pronounced limf-o-dee-ma) is the swelling of an arm, leg or other part of the body due to an abnormal collection of fluid in the body tissues called 'lymph'.
Decreased physical function, dyspnea, and fatigue occurs frequently in patients with lower limb lymphedema. Nearly a third of patients with lower limb lymphedema experienced three of more physical symptoms,17 and these symptoms are exacerbated by prolonged standing, heat, and walking.
COMPLICATIONS OF LYMPHEDEMA
Cellulitis (sudden reddening, increased local temperature, worsening of edema, inflammation, pain, and high fever) is an emergency condition requiring antibiotherapy.
Lymphoedema may not prevent you from continuing with your usual lifestyle and activities. However, you may need to modify some aspect of your life if these involve a lot of activity, or inactivity, of a swollen limb. Try to continue with your life as normally as possible but listen to your body.
Avoid tight or restrictive clothing or jewelry
Wearing tight or restrictive clothing or jewelry can squeeze the arm or leg unevenly or too much, which might increase the pressure in nearby blood and lymph vessels. This can lead to increased fluid and swelling (much like water building up behind a dam).
There is no known cure for irreversible lymphedema, although innovative new devices, treatment regimens, and surgeries offer more hope than ever before. In this stage, fibrosis has progressed to the extent where excess tissue has formed.
Stage 0 indicates a normal extremity clinically, but with abnormal lymph transport (i.e., illustrated by lymphoscintigraphy). Stage 1 is early edema, which improves with limb elevation. Stage 2 represents pitting edema that does not resolve with elevation. Stage 3 describes fibroadipose deposition and skin changes.
See a GP if you experience the typical symptoms of lymphoedema, such as swelling in your arms and legs. They may refer you to a specialist lymphoedema treatment centre for further assessment.
There's no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.
Lymphedema occurs when a blocked or damaged lymphatic system causes fluid to build up in the limbs, and lymph can't flow through the body as normal. Lymphedema is the most common lymphatic and venous disorder. Depending on your diagnosis, you may require treatment from: physical and occupational therapists.
Researchers have now developed a new treatment using nanoparticles that can repair lymphatic vessel pumping. Traditionally, researchers in the field have tried to regrow lymphatic vessels, but repairing the pumping action is a unique approach.
Lymphedema raises your risk of getting an infection in the swollen area. This happens because the cells that prevent infection can't reach that part of your body. Wounds may heal more slowly on the part of your body that has lymphedema. You may feel upset, depressed, embarrassed, or angry about the lymphedema.