Lymphedema is a health condition with a number of distressing symptoms, in addition to several complications that may affect some patients. These include cellulitis, musculoskeletal pain, psychological stress and an increased risk of malignancy.

Each of these complications can be managed or prevented with different techniques, as outlined in more detail below.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues underneath the skin and is the most common complication associated with lymphedema.

It can both cause and result from lymphedema, and may cause repeated episodes of discomfort, referred to as erysipelas, in individuals with the health condition.

Signs and symptoms of cellulitis may include:

• Reddening of skin
• Feeling of heat in the skin
• Pain and discomfort in affected area
• Fever
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Headache

The management of cellulitis usually occurs with oral antibiotics. If this is the first case of cellulitis as a complication of lymphedema, a short course is usually sufficient to clear the infection. For erysipelas or recurrent infections, a long-term course of antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent future cases.

More severe cases may require specialized medical care in a hospital environment to manage the cellulitis infection and reduce the severity of outcomes.

Musculoskeletal Pain

It is common for people with chronic lymphedema to suffer from secondary musculoskeletal problems as a result of the condition, such as back and joint pain. This discomfort can lead to a reduction in the patient’s quality of life.

Often excess weight is involved as a causative factor for musculoskeletal complications. If the patient is overweight or obese, healthy eating and physical activity recommendations should be made to encourage the individual to lose weight and relieve the stress on the bones and joints.

Psychological Distress

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that has a significant effect on the physical appearance of the individual. This can make an impact on the self-confidence of the individual and may affect the relationships they have with other and lead to periods of depression.

It is important for patients with lymphedema to be aware of this risk and have a strong support network to reach out to when feeling down. It is reassuring for them to understand that the symptoms associated with lymphedema are usually short-lived and can be adequately managed with the appropriate treatment techniques.

Some individuals may require pharmacological treatment to help in the management of depression, although it is recommended to seek help with therapy initially.

Malignancy Risk

Rare cases have been reported of cutaneous malignancy associated with lymphedema. This is thought to arise as a result of altered immune surveillance in the area affect by lymphedema.

Lymphangiosarcoma is the most common form of cancer linked to the disease but other cases have also been reported, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, malignancy melanoma and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

References

• http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lymphoedema/Pages/Complications.aspx
• http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/568789_7
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/basics/complications/con-20025603

Further Reading

• All Lymphedema Content
• What is Lymphedema?
• Lymphedema Symptoms
• Lymphedema Causes
• Lymphedema Diagnosis

Written by

Yolanda Smith

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.