Most of cases of lymphedema occur as a result of one or more processed damaging lymphatic channels and/or lymph nodes.
Causes of damage to lymph nodes:
(1) regional lymph node dissection
(2) malignant lymphoma
(3) metastatic carcinoma
(4) necrotizing lymphadenitis
(5) radiation-induced fibrosis
Causes of damage to lymphatic channels:
(1) surgery
(2) trauma
(3) radiation-induced fibrosis
(4) neoplasm compressing or infiltrating lymphatic channels
(5) recurrent infection (erysipelas, cellulitis)
(6) chronic filariasis
(7) rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
