Causes of primary lymphedema

Milroy’s disease (congenital lymphedema) -begins in infancy and causes abnormally formed lymph nodes.

Meige’s disease (lymphedema praecox) -often causes lymphedema around puberty during pregnancy though it can occur later, until age 35.

Late-onset lymphedema (lymphedema tarda) – rare and usually begins after age 35.

Causes of secondary lymphedema

Surgery

Removal or injury to the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes can cause lymphedema. For example, the lymph nodes can be removed to stop the spread of breast cancer and lymph nodes can be damaged in surgery which involves blood vessels in your limbs.

Radiation treatment for cancer

 Radiation may cause scarring and inflammation of lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels.

Cancer

 If the cancer cells block the lymph vessels, Lymphedema can occur. For example, a tumor more and more nearly a lymph node or lymphatic vessel it could expand enough to block the flow of lymphatic fluid.

Infection

An infection of the lymph nodes or parasites may restrict the flow of lymph fluid. This type of lymphedema is most common in tropical and subtropical areas and is more likely to occur in developing countries.