Editing Lymphedema (section)

==Signs and symptoms==
[[File:Dr. Ming-Huei Cheng's lymphedema Sample.png|thumb|upright=1.3|Lymphedema seen on CT scan]]

The most common manifestation of lymphedema is soft tissue swelling ([[edema]]). As the disorder progresses, worsening edema and skin changes including discoloration, verrucous (wart-like) [[hyperplasia]], [[hyperkeratosis]], [[papillomatosis]], dermal thickening, and [[Ulcer (dermatology)|ulcers]] may be seen. Additionally, there is increased risk of infection of the skin, known as [[erysipelas]].{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

===Complications===
When lymphatic impairment becomes so great that the collected lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic system's ability to transport it, an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich fluid causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, reducing oxygen availability. This interferes with wound healing and provides a rich medium for bacterial growth which can result in [[infections|skin infections]], [[lymphangitis]], [[lymphadenitis]], and, in severe cases, [[Ulcer (dermatology)|skin ulcers]].<ref name="grada-2017" /> It is vital for lymphedema patients to be aware of the symptoms of infection and to seek immediate treatment, since recurrent infections or cellulitis, in addition to their inherent danger, further damage the lymphatic system and set up a vicious circle.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

In rare cases, lymphedema may lead to a form of cancer called [[lymphangiosarcoma]], although the mechanism of carcinogenesis is not understood. Lymphedema-associated lymphangiosarcoma is called [[Stewart–Treves syndrome]].<ref name="grada-2017" /> Lymphangiosarcoma most frequently occurs in cases of long-standing lymphedema. The incidence of angiosarcoma five years after radical mastectomy is estimated to be 0.45% in surviving patients.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Martin MB, Kon ND, Kawamoto EH, Myers RT, Sterchi JM | title = Postmastectomy angiosarcoma | journal = The American Surgeon | volume = 50 | issue = 10 | pages = 541–545 | date = October 1984 | pmid = 6541442}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Chopra S, Ors F, Bergin D | title = MRI of angiosarcoma associated with chronic lymphoedema: Stewart Treves syndrome | journal = The British Journal of Radiology | volume = 80 | issue = 960 | pages = e310–e313 | date = December 2007 | pmid = 18065640 | doi = 10.1259/bjr/19441948}}</ref> Lymphedema is also associated with a low [[Grading (tumors)|grade]] form of cancer called [[retiform hemangioendothelioma]] (a low grade angiosarcoma).<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Requena L, Sangueza OP | title = Cutaneous vascular proliferations. Part III. Malignant neoplasms, other cutaneous neoplasms with significant vascular component, and disorders erroneously considered as vascular neoplasms | journal = Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology | volume = 38 | issue = 2 Pt 1 | pages = 143–75; quiz 176–8 | date = February 1998 | pmid = 9486670 | doi = 10.1016/S0190-9622(98)70237-3}}</ref>

Lymphedema can be disfiguring, and may result in a poor body image and psychological distress.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.phlebolymphology.org/body-image-and-quality-of-life-in-secondary-lymphedema-of-the-upper-limb/|title=Body image and quality of life in secondary lymphedema of the upper limb|last=Publishing|first=Licorn|date=2009-10-28|website=Servier – Phlebolymphology|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903201452/https://www.phlebolymphology.org/body-image-and-quality-of-life-in-secondary-lymphedema-of-the-upper-limb/|archive-date=2019-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> Complications of lymphedema can cause difficulties in activities of daily living.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/RDP/Facts/Oncology%20fact%20sheet.pdf|title=Oncology Fact Sheet|website=aota.org|access-date=2019-09-03|archive-date=2020-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920235641/https://www.aota.org/~/media/Corporate/Files/AboutOT/Professionals/WhatIsOT/RDP/Facts/Oncology%20fact%20sheet.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>