What are the early signs of lymphedema?

Early signs of lymphedema can include a heavy, full, or tight feeling. It shows up in the area where you had surgery or radiation therapy. Another sign is swelling that leaves a dent in the skin when you press on it. Numbness or tingling in the area can also be a sign. With long-term, untreated lymphedema, the skin may become discolored and hard.

Signs may develop slowly over months or years. So it helps to pay close attention to any slight changes. Lymphedema most often affects an arm or leg. There it may make the limb look larger than the other one, or hard to move, or weak. It can also occur in the head or neck, or in the genitals or abdomen. Each of those areas has its own added signs.

Lymphedema is easier to control when treatment starts early. So contact your doctor as soon as you notice any of these signs. Your doctor can examine the area. For an arm or leg, they can compare it with the other limb. Your healthcare team can tell you which changes to watch for and call about.