Lymphoedema

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Lymphoedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid due to a failure of the lymphatic system.

There are 4 main classifications of lymphoedema:

  • primary lymphoedema
  • secondary lymphoedema
  • lymphoedema praecox
  • lymphoedema tarda

Lymphoedema severity can be classified as:

  • subclinical
  • early / mild
  • moderate / severe
  • severe
  • severe complex

Mild = <20% excess limb volume
Moderate = 20-40% excess limb volume
Severe = >40% excess limb volume

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