- Acute Flaccid Myelitis
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- Memory
- Meningitis
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Movement Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
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- Parkinson’s Disease
- Polio and Post-Polio Syndrome
- Speech and Language Problems in Children
- Stroke
- Transient Ischemic Attack
- Tremor
- Walking Problems
- West Nile Virus
- A1C
- Blood Glucose
- Diabetes
- Diabetes and Pregnancy
- Diabetes Complications
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- Diabetes Medicines
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- How to Prevent Diabetes
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- HIV and Pregnancy
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- Mammography
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- Pregnancy
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- Alcohol
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- Child Nutrition
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- Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
- Cholesterol Medicines
- DASH Eating Plan
- Eating Disorders
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- HDL: The “Good” Cholesterol
- High Cholesterol in Children and Teens
- How to Lower Cholesterol
- How to Lower Cholesterol with Diet
- Infant and Newborn Nutrition
- LDL: The “Bad” Cholesterol
- Malabsorption Syndromes
- Nutrition for Older Adults
- Pregnancy and Nutrition
- Toddler Nutrition
- Triglycerides
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- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
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- Concussion
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- Indigestion
- Itching
- Jaundice
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Pain
- Rare Diseases
- Raynaud’s Disease
- Sciatica
- Speech and Communication Disorders
- Stuttering
Lymphedema
Summary
Lymphedema is the name of a type of swelling. It happens when lymph builds up in your body’s soft tissues. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It usually happens in the arms or legs.
Causes of lymphedema include:
- Infection
- Cancer
- Scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgical removal of lymph nodes
- Inherited conditions in which lymph nodes or vessels are absent or abnormal
Treatment can help control symptoms. It includes exercise, compression devices, skin care, and massage.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
National Cancer Institute
Clinical Trials
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Lymphedema National Institutes of Health
Patient Handouts
- Compression stockings Medical Encyclopedia
- Lymphatic obstruction Medical Encyclopedia
- Lymphedema – self-care Medical Encyclopedia
Living With
- For People with Lymphedema American Cancer Society
Start Here
- Guide to Understanding Lymphedema Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- Lymphedema National Cancer Institute
- Lymphedema Lymphatic Education & Research Network
- Lymphedema Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
Genetics
- Hennekam syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
- Meige disease: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
NIH MedlinePlus Magazine
- Kathy Bates is Figuring Out How to Live with Lymphedema
- Lymphedema: Living with Swelling and Stiffness
Find an Expert
- Lymphatic Education & Research Network Lymphatic Education & Research Network
- National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
- National Lymphedema Network National Lymphedema Network
Related Issues
- Lymphatic Filariasis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Women
- Lymphedema American Cancer Society
Specifics
- Lymphedema as a Cancer Treatment Side Effect American Society of Clinical Oncology
Diagnosis and Tests
- Lymphoscintigraphy Radiological Society of North America
Journal Articles
Treatments and Therapies
- Treatment of Lymphedema National Cancer Institute