What are the signs and symptoms of lymphedema?
If you suspect any of the symptoms listed below, call your healthcare provider right away. Prompt treatment can help get the condition under control. • Swelling in the arms, hands, fingers, shoulders, chest, or legs. The swelling may occur for the first time after a traumatic event (such as bruises, cuts, sunburn, and sports injuries), after an infection in the part of the body that was treated for cancer, or after an extended (more than three hours) airplane trip (due to the sudden change in cabin pressure). • A “full” or heavy sensation in the arms or legs. • Skin tightness. • Decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist, or ankle. • Difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area. • Tight-fitting bracelet, watch, or ring that wasn’t tight before.
