Nov 2012
Thought it would be good for us to have a review of lymphedema complications. All to often newly diagnosed lymphedema patients try to push this out of their mind by thinking, "if I ignore this, it will not get worse."
The reality though, is that it does get worse and it comes along with a horrible list of potential life threatening complications.
When I first started Lymphedema People just 3 ½ years ago, there was basically a short list of complications associated with lymphedema. As time has continued and studies have bee completed and as there has been better follow up on lymphedema patients, the list of complications has expanded.
Furthermore, there has been more thorough documentation of the complications face by those of us with long term lymphedema. Usually, these complications are a result of our LE not being treated properly or infact treated at all.
1. Infections such as cellulitis, lymphangitis, erysipelas. This is due not only to the large accumulation of fluid, but it is well documented that lymphodemous limbs are localized immunodeficient and the proein rich fluid provides an excellent nurturing invironment for bacteria. See our page Infections Associated with Lymphedema for further information on infections.
2. Draining wounds that leak lymphorrea which is very caustic to surrounding skin tissue and acts as a port of entry for infections.
3. Increased pain as a result of the compression of nerves usually caused by the development of fibrosis and increased build up of fluids. See Lymphedema and Pain Management.
4. Loss of Function due to the swelling and limb changes.
5. Depression - Psychological coping as a result of the disfigurement and debilitating effect of lymphedema.
6. Deep venous thrombosis again as a result of the pressure of the swelling and fibrosis against the vascular system. Also, can happen as a result of cellulitis, lymphangitis and infections. See also Thrombophlebitis
7. Sepsis, Gangrene are possibilities as a result of the infections.
8. Possible amputation of the limb.
9. Pleural effusions may result if the lymphatics in the abdomen or chest are to overwhelmed to clear the lung cavity of fluids.
10. Skin complications such as dry skin, splitting, plaques and nodules, susceptibility to fungus and bacterial infections.
11. Chronic localized inflammations.
12. Pain ranging from mild in early lymphedema to severe in late stage lymphedema.
13. Lymphatic cancers which can include angiosarcoma, lymphoma; Kaposi's Sarcoma; lymphangiosarcoma (Stewart_treves Syndrome);
See also: Primary Lymphedema and Cancer for a discussion and Lymphatic Cancers Secondary to Lymphedema.
Note: These cancers are rare and are usually associated with long term, untreated or improperly treated lymphedema. Typically occuring in stage three or four; quite rare in stage two.
14. Skin complications possible in stages 3 and 4 include papillomatosis; placques including “cobblestone” appearing placque; dermatofibroma;Skin Tags; Warts and Verrucas; Mycetoma skin fungus; dermatitis and many lymphedema patients report increased problems withpsoriasis; eczema and shingles. I would suspect this may be due to again, the immunocompromised condition of the arm or leg afflicted with lymphedema.
15. Documented but rare complications in late stage also can include Lymphomatoid Papulosis; Cutis Marmorata; Acroangiodermatitis;Dermatolymphangioadenitis (DLA); Papillomatosis cutis carcinoides
16. Debilitating joint problems. This is caused by a combination of the excess fluid weight and the constant inflammatory process that accompanies lymphedema. As we have gotten older, many lymphedema patients are having total knee replacement, total hip replacement, ortotal shoulder replacement while others are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome and are having carpal tunnel surgery or experiencing shoulder problems associated with lymphedema and must haverotator cuff surgery
LONG TERM EFFECTS
There are numerous side effects and long term affects you may experience with lymphedema. Some of these include fatigue, weight gain, pain (sometimes to the extreme), depression, continued swelling of the limbs or abdomen. Some have experienced cardio cavity and pleural edema. Lymphedema can also cause fibrosis. This is where the limb becomes very hard and can become nonresponsive to available treatment options. With extensive fibrosis also comes heightened risks of blood clots in the affected areas.
Lymphedema also cause localized immunodeficiency problems. It also may be suspect in long term immunity problems, especially in very long term primary lymphedema patients. This may be a controversial statement, but I have known of primary lymphedema patients who's immune system seems to have collapsed from unknown reasons. In my personal situation, mine did just that with the result I acquired two different lymphomas. Hopefully, research will be done in this area.
Lymphangiosarcoma is another possible complication of lymphedema. While many LE'ers worry about contracting this, it is extremely rare. Risk factors are extreme fibrosis, radiation on fibrotic areas and continued infections.
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