Lymphedema Flashcards
What is lymphedema
Abnormal accumulation of protein rich lymph fluid in fatty tissues under skin
What are the two types of lymphedema
Primary
Secondary
What is primary lymphedema
A rare inherited condition caused by development of lymph vessels in body
What is secondary lymphedema
Occurs as a result of something else that affects kympathic system such as
Lymph node removal
Radiation
Infection
Tumors
Trauma
Filarias
What is stage 0 lymphedema
Usually asymptomatic
May have heaviness in the limb or mild aching or tightness
No swelling or pitting edema
What is stage 1 lymphedema
Pitting may occur
No dermal fibrosis
Can go away with elevation or depression
known as reversal stage
What is stage 2 lymphedema
Accumulation of fluid with limb swelling that does NOT resolve with limb elevation
No longer pit on exam
What is stage 3 lymphedema
Swelling
Pitting can be absent
Trophic skin changes, fat deposits, papillomatis, hyper keratosis skin creases
What is past medial history for lymphedema (bilateral)
Lipedema
Congestive heart failure
Vascular insufficiency
Renal dysfunction
What is unilateral past medial history for lymphedema
Post thrombotic syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Baker cyst
What is lymphorrhea
Leakage of lymph from the skin surface
What is papillomatosis
Development of warts
What is lipodermasclerosis
Thickening and hardening of subcutaneous tissue and brown skin
What is cellulitis
Bacterial skin infection
Warm to touch
What measurements should you take for lymphedema
Girth measurement
Water displacement
Bioimpedence
