Which term describes edema with poor lymphatic function, typically incurable but manageable?

Which term describes edema with poor lymphatic function, typically incurable but manageable?

• A. Pitting edema
• B. Non-pitting edema
• C. Lymphedema
• D. Edema from dehydration

Answer: (C)

Edema from impaired lymphatic drainage is called lymphedema. The lymphatic system normally clears interstitial fluid and protein from tissues; when it’s damaged or blocked—due to surgery, radiation, infection, congenital issues, or node removal—the fluid accumulates and the tissue can become thickened over time. This tends to be a long‑lasting, chronic condition that isn’t curable, but it can be effectively managed with strategies like specialized compression, manual lymph drainage, exercise, and meticulous skin care to reduce swelling and prevent infections. In its early stages the swelling might be soft, but as it progresses it often becomes non‑pitting and fibrotic, which helps distinguish it from edema caused by other issues. Pitting edema describes fluid overload from other causes, and edema from dehydration isn’t the same phenomenon, so lymphedema best fits the description.

Edema from impaired lymphatic drainage is called lymphedema. The lymphatic system normally clears interstitial fluid and protein from tissues; when it’s damaged or blocked—due to surgery, radiation, infection, congenital issues, or node removal—the fluid accumulates and the tissue can become thickened over time. This tends to be a long‑lasting, chronic condition that isn’t curable, but it can be effectively managed with strategies like specialized compression, manual lymph drainage, exercise, and meticulous skin care to reduce swelling and prevent infections. In its early stages the swelling might be soft, but as it progresses it often becomes non‑pitting and fibrotic, which helps distinguish it from edema caused by other issues. Pitting edema describes fluid overload from other causes, and edema from dehydration isn’t the same phenomenon, so lymphedema best fits the description.