Disease Information : Lymphedema : Risk Factors

Lymphedema : Risk Factors

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What are the risk factors for Lymphedema?

Cancer treatment, particularly lymph node dissection at the time of mastectomy for breast cancer and radiation therapy for breast, prostate, or other cancers, are risk factors for the development of lymphedema in the future. Other risk factors include major trauma or burns, a family history of lymphedema, and exposure to filarial infection, which is a mosquito-borne illness common in Asia and Africa. 

Lymphedema section was last modified: July 10, 2009 - 05:32 pm