Cancer and Cancer Treatments
Certain kinds of cancers, particularly solid cancers, can cause lymphedema. Malignant tumors [3] may compress lymphatic vessels and obstruct the drainage of lymphatic fluid from certain body parts. Other times, cancer cells can make their way into the lymphatic vessels, where they quickly replicate. This may clog up the vessels and cut off lymph flow.
Treatments for certain kinds of cancers also increase the risk of lymphedema. Some of these cancers include prostate cancers, lymphoma, and melanoma [4]. Lymphedema may also affect the neck and face due to the treatment of cancers that affect the head and neck. All these areas are risky because many lymph vessels and nodes may be removed or damaged during surgical treatment or radiation therapy.
Doctors usually try to limit damage to the lymphatic system during cancer treatments, but some of these cancer therapies require dissection of the lymph nodes. Radiation can cause tissue fibrosis that may disrupt lymph flow.
Kidney Disease
One of the main functions of the kidneys is the removal of waste and extra fluids from the body. Kidney diseases and injury often impair this function. When this happens, the fluid the kidney is unable to remove flows back into the body. This can cause fluids to build up in the lymphatic system and lead to lymphedema [5].