Embarrassing Illnesses

Causes of primary lymphoedema

It is thought that primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in some of the genes that are responsible for the development of the lymphatic system.

The mutated genes interfere with the development of the lymphatic system, meaning it loses its ability to drain fluid properly.

Due to the genetic nature of primary lymphoedema, the condition usually runs in families. But not everyone born to a parent with primary lymphoedema will necessarily develop the condition themselves.

Causes of secondary lymphoedema

Secondary lymphoedema can have a number of different causes. The most common causes are summarised below.

Surgical treatment of cancer

Cancer uses the lymphatic system to spread through the body, so it is sometimes necessary for a surgeon to remove cancerous lymph nodes. Though the surgeon will try to ensure that the rest of your lymphatic system can still operate normally, this is sometimes not always possible.

Cancers that have a significant risk of lymphoedema arising as a complication of treatment include :

• breast cancer,
• skin cancer,
• gynaecological cancers, such as cervical or vulval cancer, and
• genitourinary cancers, such as bladder or penile cancer.
  

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy makes use of radiation to destroy cancerous tissue. Unfortunately it can also damage healthy tissue. If it is necessary to use radiotherapy to destroy cancerous cells that are present in your lymph nodes or vessels, then there is a risk that the nodes and vessels will become permanently damaged.

Infections

The bacterial skin infection cellulitis, is not only a complication of lymphoedema, it can also be its primary cause. In a severe cellulitis infection, the tissue around lymph nodes or vessels can be damaged, leading to scarring.

Another common infectious cause of lymphoedema is a parasite infection. This tends only to be a risk in parts of the developing world, such as India or Africa, and not in the UK.

Inflammation

Health conditions that cause tissue to become inflamed can also permanently damage the lymphatic system. Some health conditions that can cause lymphoedema include:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• dermatitis, and
• eczema.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (diseases that affect the flow of blood in the body) can lead to lymphoedema in some people. The lack of a regular blood supply can cause tissue damage, which in turn can lead to scarring in the lymph nodes and vessels.

Some cardiovascular disease known to lead to lymphoedema in some people include:

• deep vein thrombosis (DVT),
• venous leg ulcers, and
• in rare cases, varicose veins.

Trauma and injury

A general injury or trauma, such as a burn or extensive scarring, can cause lymphoedema in a small minority of cases.