Latency Stage: characterized by occasional swelling which is relieved by elevating the limb, and may be fully reversible with proper follow up care.
Stage I: The first stage (reversible stage) is characterized by smooth texture of the tissue; the edema is pitting and will vanish more or less over night, but swelling returns as the day progresses.
Stage II: (spontaneously irreversible) swelling is present to some degree at all times. Patient's may be prone to developing frequent infections which may worsen the condition and cause a further increase in swelling.
Stage III: The third stage or severe stage (lymphostatic elephantiasis) In this stage an angiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves Syndrome), which is a highly malignant condition, may form.
Treatment
Treatment should begin before the onset of Lymphedema. Patients before/after surgery involving lymph nodes and patient's should be advised of things to avoid.
It is a proven fact that special exercises and support garments reduce the risk of developing Lymphedema tremendously. Once Lymphedema has begun, the sooner it is treated, the better the reduction will be. Therefore treatment should be initiated as early as possible.
