{"id":15203,"date":"2025-05-21T16:21:07","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T14:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cizetamedicali.i-esse.com\/?page_id=15203"},"modified":"2025-08-26T13:19:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T11:19:23","slug":"linfedema","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cizetamedicali.com\/en\/consigli\/linfedema\/","title":{"rendered":"linfedema: Cos’\u00e8 e cosa fare"},"content":{"rendered":"
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LYMPHOEDEMA:
what it is and what to do.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat is lymphoedema? How does it appear and what are its causes?<\/strong><\/em>\n
\nLet's find out together about it, its distinctive signs and the main treatment options, from complex decongestive therapy to the use of flat-knit compression stockings.<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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What is lymphoedema?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where lymph accumulates abnormally in the tissues<\/strong>, resulting in a persistent swelling, primarily in the limbs. It is caused by a malfunction of the lymphatic system<\/strong>, which impairs the drainage of interstitial liquids, leading to an increase in volume <\/strong>of the affected area, associated with skin hardening <\/strong>and, in some cases, pain or reduced mobility.<\/strong><\/p>

The lymphatic system, in fact, is responsible for three main functions<\/strong> in our organism:<\/p>

  1. Drainage of interstitial fluids<\/strong>: the network of vessels that form this system collects lymph<\/strong>, a tissue-waste fluid containing white blood cells, and carries it to lymph nodes to eliminate toxins, metabolic waste and excess fluids, maintaining hydric balance and preventing stagnation and oedemas.<\/li>
  2. Transfer of fats and nutrients<\/strong>: it absorbs lipids and fat-soluble vitamins from the small intestine and transports them into bloodstream.<\/li>
  3. Immunologic response<\/strong>: lymph nodes filter lymph, trapping pathogens and activating immune defences via lymphocytes.<\/li><\/ol>

    Under normal conditions, lymph flows through the lymphatic vessels thanks to muscle contraction and one-way valves, to ensure a steady balance between the lymphatic and the circulatory system<\/strong>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Main causes and risk factors<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    There are two main typologies of lymphoedema. Primary lymphoedema<\/strong> is a congenital or hereditary condition <\/strong>caused by malformations of the lymphatic system. Depending on the stage of life in which it may manifest itself, we make a distinction among congenital lymphoedema<\/strong> (present at birth<\/em>), early lymphoedema <\/strong>(arising during childhood or adolescence<\/em>) and late lymphoedema<\/strong> (appearing after the age of 35 without a clear cause<\/em>). Secondary lymphoedema<\/strong>, on the other hand, is caused by damages or obstructions of the lymphatic system<\/strong> as a result of surgery, radiotherapy, traumas, infections, and chronic diseases, such as venous insufficiency, which may impair lymphatic drainage.<\/p>

    There are also some factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a lymphoedema <\/strong>, such as surgery with removal of lymph nodes, oncological therapies (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), chronic infections of the skin or subcutaneous tissue, repeated traumas, or medical conditions that impair lymphatic circulation.<\/p>

    Lymphoedema is a progressive condition<\/strong>, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatments can limit its effects and improve the patient's quality of life.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Stages, symptoms, and signs<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLymphoedema is a progressive disease that evolves in several stages.
    According to the classification of the International Society of Lymphology<\/em> (ISL), there are four stages<\/strong>:\n
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      Stage 0 (subclinical lymphoedema) <\/strong>\n
    • The lymphatic system is damaged, but there are no obvious signs of swelling or changes of the skin tissue yet.
      Feeling of heaviness or tension in the limb may occur.<\/ul>\n
        Stage 1 (early lymphoedema) <\/strong>\t
      • \nThe oedema is visible but tends to disappear spontaneously with rest and elevation of limbs. The skin is still soft and pressure with a finger leaves a temporary dimple (Fovea Sign<\/em>). Lymphatic fluid accumulates, but no permanent tissue changes are observed.<\/ul>\n
          Stage 2 (mild lymphoedema) <\/strong>\n\t
        • \nThe volume of oedema increases; it gets permanent and does not disappear with rest. The skin changes its consistency, becoming thicker and harder due to tissue fibrosis. The Fovea Sign may be less visible or absent.<\/ul>\n
            Stage 3 (severe lymphoedema)<\/strong>
            \nThe limb is significantly enlarged and misshapen, even to elephantiasis. The skin changes; it is thickened, with skin alterations and folds. Skin ulcers and recurrent infections are possible. The mobility of the limb may be impaired.<\/ul>\n
            \nSymptoms may vary depending on the stage, but the most common are:\n
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            • Progressive swelling<\/strong> usually of a limb, but may also affect the torso or other areas<\/li>\n \t
            • Feeling of heaviness or tension <\/strong>in the affected area<\/li>\n \t
            • Alterations of the skin, <\/strong>which may become harder, drier or less elastic<\/li>\n \t
            • Pain or discomfort, <\/strong>especially in advanced stages<\/li>\n \t
            • Reduced mobility <\/strong>of the affected limb<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRecognizing the early signs is crucial for a timely intervention. Early diagnosis by a medical specialist and intervention with appropriate and controlled treatments can slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of sufferers.\n
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