Aetiology

The most common cause of lymphoedema in the UK is malignancy or its treatment. The most common cause world-wide is filiariasis (affects around 90 million people) (2).

Primary causes include:

• truly congenital conditions such as Milroy's disease, which may be precipitated by trauma, pregnancy, and infection
• developmental abnormalities such as Turner's syndrome

Secondary causes:

• recurrent lymphangitis - from erysipelas, chronic venous ulceration
• lymphatic obstruction - from tumour, tuberculosis, filariasis
• lymphatic destruction - from tumour, surgery, radiotherapy
• lymphatic removal - from surgery e.g. radical mastectomy
• others - in association with conditions such as yellow nail syndrome, rosacea

Reference:

• 1. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Interventional procedure overview of liposuction for chronic lymphoedema
• 2. National Cancer Institute 2008. Lymphedema
• 3. Moffatt C.J et al. Lymphoedema: an underestimated health problem. Q J Med 2003; 96: 731-738