what we treat

What is lymphedema?

Your lymphatic system is crucial in keeping your body healthy.  Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to properly drain lymph fluid and it leaks out into the tissues. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary.   Patients treated here have ranged in age between 3 months-94 years.

Causes of primary lymphedema

• Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema) is an inherited disorder that begins from 0-2years and causes your lymph nodes to form abnormally. 
• Meige's disease (lymphedema praecox) typically occurs late childhood or puberty.  It causes lymph vessels to form without the valves to keep fluid flowing.
• Late onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda) and typically occurs after the age of 35
• Genetic mutations can also be the cause of lymphedema such as GATA2 and FOXC2.  

Causes of secondary lymphedema

• Surgery when lymph nodes being removed for a biopsy or cut into during another type of surgery.   Often seen with the removal of lymph nodes in the breast area and abdomen or melanoma due to cancer.
• Radiation treatment can cause scarring and inflammation of your lymph nodes/vessels which in turn can block the flow of the lymph fluid. 
• Cancer cells can block lymphatic vessels.  For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node could block the flow of the lymph fluid. 
• Infections can impede lymphatic flow from scarring as the tissue heals.
• Trauma to tissue can affect lymph function and flow.

What is Lipedema?

Lipidema is often misunderstood as being overweight but has some distinct differences.  

• it is a result of abnormal accumulation of fat cells under the skin. 
• it affects both sides and usally affects the buttocks, hips, thighs and legs, visually placing the upper and lower body out of proportion.  
• tends to affect primarily women. 
• the affected area is painful to the touch and tends to bruise easily. 
• it is often noticed after a hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause.
• does not respond to low calorie dieting and exercising. 
• can also develop with other conditions such as POTS, hypermobility syndromes such as EDS or and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

Other Issues that Can Cause Lymphedema

• Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
• May Thurner Syndrome
• Venous Insufficiency
• Dercums Disease (adipose Delorosa)