Functional classification of secondary lymphedema

Jose Maria Pereira de Godoy; Maria de Fatima Guerreiro Godoy

doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2019.10.025

Functional classification of secondary lymphedema

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2019 Nov 1:48:81-82. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2019.10.025. eCollection 2019 Dec.

Authors

Jose Maria Pereira de Godoy¹, Maria de Fatima Guerreiro Godoy²

Affiliations

¹ Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Department of the Medicine School in São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), CNPq (National Council for Research and Development), Brazil.
² Occupational Therapist Professor of the Post-Graduate Stricto Sensu in Medicine School in São José Do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Member of Research Group of the Clínica Godoy, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, Brazil.

Abstract

The epidemiological classifications of primary lymphedema based on age at emergence and the severity of the edema are fundamental to the transmission of information about this condition. In the secondary type, the lymphatic system is intact at birth but is injured during the course of life, causing a deficiency that leads to lymphedema. However, years of clinical experience and progress in treatment suggest new classifications to assist in the therapeutic planning of each patient. In clinical practice, we have observed inappropriate treatments that can cause more harm than good. Such observations are important and suggest the need for a proper diagnosis that considers all physiopathological processes involved for the establishment of the best form of treatment.

Keywords: Epidemiological classification; Lymphedema; Secondary lymphedema.