Epidemiology and morbidity of lymphedema

Abstract

Lymphedema is a common condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. Primary lymphedema due to an anomalous lymphatic system is rare, afflicting 1/100,000 individuals. Secondary lymphedema from injury to a normally developed lymphatic system is the most common cause of the disease and affects approximately 1/1,000 Americans. The two most frequent problems caused by lymphedema are decreased self-esteem and infection. Other complications include difficulty using the extremity, skin changes, and rarely malignant transformation.