Abstract
Lymphedema, a condition which typically affects the extremities, is characterized by accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the soft tissues due to malfunction of the lymphatic system. The normal role of the lymphatic system is to passively convey and actively pump interstitial fluid back into the blood stream. Primary (congenital) lymphedema arises from poorly understood factors, while secondary lymphedema is caused by another known disease. Most often, upper extremity secondary lymphedema is the result of breast cancer, with an incidence of 15-20% among female breast-cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy or radiation as part of therapy [1]. It has been estimated that primary lymphedema affects 1.15 out of 100,000 children in North America [2].
Citation
Muluk SL and Taffe E. A Review of Pneumatic Compression Therapy in the Treatment of Lymphedema. SM Vasc Med. 2016; 1(1): 1003.