Case history
Case history #1
A 65-year-old woman presents to her primary care physician with an 8-month history of progressive right-arm swelling. Two years ago she had a partial mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection for right breast cancer. She was also treated with radiation therapy at the time. She denies fever, pain, or skin changes but reports difficulty with daily tasks because her hand feels heavy and weak. She is bothered by the appearance of her enlarged extremity and has problems finding clothing to fit. She has stopped playing golf and has canceled her upcoming vacation.
Case history #2
A 25-year-old man presents to his primary care physician with a 3-month history of left leg swelling. The swelling began after his return from Africa, where had done voluntary work as a teacher for 6 months. On physical exam, nonpitting edema of the left leg is noted with hyperkeratosis, papillomatosis, and induration of the skin. Microfilariae are detected on blood smears.
Other presentations
Secondary lymphedema can result from other operative procedures involving lymph node basins or penetrating trauma. Primary lymphedema is rare and usually sporadic. Females most commonly present in puberty with unilateral lower extremity swelling.[3] Males typically present in infancy with bilateral lower extremity edema.[3][Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Primary lymphedema of the right lower extremityFrom the collection of Dr Arin K. Greene [Citation ends].
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