Lymphedema is a condition where patients experience fluid retention and swelling in their extremities, most commonly in the lower legs. The most common type of Lymphedema in the Western world is Phlebolymphedema. Phlebolymphedema is a mixed-etiology swelling due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and lymphatic insufficiency. Specifically, this retained fluid is a substance known as lymph, a mostly clear fluid that carries white blood cells, proteins, and other materials throughout the body.

Because the lymphatic system is responsible for balancing fluid volume, Lymphedema or Phlebolymphedema is most commonly due to inability of the lymphatic system to adequately drain the interstitial fluid that accumulates in severe chronic venous hypertension. Often multiple factors are at play, including systemic disease (eg, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephropathy), which compounds the problem and leads to inability of the lymphatic system to drain interstitial fluids and macromolecules.  Likewise, lymphedema may be an inherited lifelong condition or develop later on due to damage or disease. In the US, acquired lymphedema is most commonly caused by cancer treatment that removes lymph nodes or otherwise damages the lymphatic system.

Lymphedema is typically a progressive issue, meaning that swelling gradually gets worse over time without proper treatment or control. Severe lymphedema can significantly impact a person’s health and general quality of life. Additionally, lymphedema can also be a symptom of other life-threatening conditions.