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Lymphedema (lymphoedema in British English), also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system, which normally returns interstitial fluid to the thoracic duct and then the bloodstream. The condition can be inherited or can be caused by a birth defect, though it is frequently caused by cancer treatments, and by parasitic infections. Though incurable and progressive, a number of treatments can ameliorate symptoms. Tissues with lymphedema are at high risk of infection. ==Signs and symptoms== Symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness or fullness, edema, and (occasionally) aching pain in the affected area. In advanced lymphedema, there may be the presence of skin changes such as discoloration, verrucous (wart-like) hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, and papillomatosis; and eventually deformity (elephantiasis). Lymphedema should not be confused with edema arising from venous insufficiency, which is ''not'' lymphedema. However, untreated venous insufficiency can progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder which is treated the same way as lymphedema. Presented here is an extreme case of severe unilateral hereditary lymphedema which had been present for 25 years without treatment: Image:Lymphedema 04 Jan 2003 (9).jpg|Comparison of normal and swollen limb Image:Lymphedema 04 Jan 2003 (10).jpg|Size of swollen foot, toes underneath Image:Lymphedema 04 Jan 2003 (11).jpg|Another view of lymphedemic foot Image:Lymphedema 04 Jan 2003 (12).jpg|Foot and leg (held vertically) 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Lymphedema」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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