Secondary lymphedema has many of the same effects as primary lymphedema, but it is developed because of a specific reason. Secondary lymphedema is acquired as a result of trauma, infection, surgery or radiation. Though it's a terribly unfortunate condition, it is easier to both diagnose and treat than primary lymphedema.

A Guide to Secondary Lymphedema

Anyone who's had some sort of trauma to his or her lymph nodes is at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. The surgeries and radiation for the following types of cancer are most often associated with lymphedema as they require the removal lymph nodes: melanoma, breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate, testicular, bladder and colon. Though secondary lymphedema can develop for other reasons (infection of the lymph nodes) treatments for the afore-mentioned cancers are by far the most common causes of secondary lymphedema.

Secondary lymphedema doesn't always develop right after the trauma of surgery (though this does often happen). Sometimes it takes weeks, months, or years for the excess protein to accumulate and swelling to start. Therefore anyone who's had surgery that removed his or her lymph nodes needs to be mindful of their situation and keep an eye open for lymphedema symptoms even years on down the line.

Please keep in mind that lymphedema can be acquired by other means. For instance, lymphedema can develop if chemotherapy is targeted at the area where surgery was performed. It can also develop if there is some other sort of trauma to the lymph nodes which causes them to stop functioning.