There is no specific test or tool to diagnose lymphoedema. This makes the diagnosis difficult, and some patients struggle without a correct diagnosis for a long time. There are two main types of lymphoedema – primary and secondary.
Primary lymphoedema is a rare disease that occurs when the lymphatic system has not developed adequately (or is not functioning as it should) from birth due to a genetic reason. Although the symptoms of primary lymphoedema often occur in early life, symptoms may also occur after years, and it may not be the first diagnosis that Healthcare Professionals think about.
Secondary lymphoedema is caused by injuries or diseases and is more common than primary lymphoedema.