Lymphoedema — a problem of gigantic proportions

Abstract

Extract

Lymphoedema (LO) is the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid caused by failure of normal lymphatic drainage. Human lymphoedema is classified as primary (congenital hereditary or idiopathic, praecox or tarda forms) or secondary (complication of surgery or radiotherapy, such as that for breast cancer, as well as bancroftian filariasis, cellulitis and lymphangitis amongst others). Primary LO may be due to lymphatic aplasia, hypoplasia, dyspla-sia, lymphangiectasia, or aplasia or hypoplasia of draining lymph nodes. Approximately one in thirty people worldwide has LO.