Professional Faqs: How Long Can You Live With Lymphedema?
Lymphedema image
Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire
Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil
Lymphedema is the technical term used to describe a type of edema caused by problems in the lymphatic drainage of the affected region. It usually occurs due to a secondary cause, such as infections, chronic vascular diseases, congenital causes or even surgical resection of the lymph node chains. It is possible to live the rest of one’s life with lymphedema, and the prognosis of this condition is more associated with the primary cause than with the lymphedema itself.
Expert opinion from Marcella Abunahman Pereira
Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil
Lymphedema is a swelling caused by an obstruction in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals. The outcome for persons with lymphedema depends on it’s chronicity, complications and the underlying disease state that caused the lymphedema. Thus, it is not possible to say how long a person will live.
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Expert opinion from Rajesh Mishra
MBBS · Less than a year of experience · India
The 5-year survival rate for lymphangiosarcoma is less than 10%. With the average survival following diagnosis being 19 months. This malignant degeneration is most commonly observed in patients with postmastectomy lymphedema (Stewart-Treves syndrome). In whom the incidence is estimated to be 0. 5%.
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