What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the accumulation of a fluid called lymph. The lymphatic system carries this fluid through lymph vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. Swelling may occur when there is an increase in the amount of fluid or due to blockage that disrupts the normal flow.

How do members experience lymphedema?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with lymphedema*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for lymphedema*

Who has lymphedema on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 1
20s 8
30s 47
40s 125
50s 330
60s 425
70+ 239

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 78
Female 1,104