Warning Signs Of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a chronic disorder of the lymphatic system in which the lymph fluid doesn’t drain properly, which results in swelling in one or more parts of the body, It can be hereditary (Primary Lymphedema) or can occur after a surgical procedure, infection, radiation or other physical trauma (Secondary Lymphedema).

TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Life in crisis?

Dr. Stanley Rockson, co-founder of the Lymphatic Education & Research Network and an endowed chair at Stanford University for Lymphatic Research, says, Lymphedema is not a controversial condition, it’s “just not well recognized.”

WATCH What A ‘Dr. Phil’ Producer Says She Discovered About Her Late Father’s Health While Working On This Episode

Some warning signs of Lymphedema include infection in the skin (cellulitis) not related to an injury; removal of lymph nodes during surgery, or radiation therapy on or near lymph glands, and swelling in the extremities (arms and legs).

While there is no cure for the disease, Dr. Rockson tells Dr. Phil on Thursday’s episode, “I’m happy to say we’re making great progress.”

WATCH Kathy Bates On Learning She Has Lymphedema: ‘You Think American Horror Story Is Scary? You Should Have Been In That Room With Me’

To learn more about the symptoms and available treatments, or to make a donation to help fund research, visit lymphaticnetwork.org.

Check here to find out where you can watch Thursday’s Dr. Phil.

TELL DR. PHIL YOUR STORY: Have a story in the news?

How Actor Kathy Bates Says Watching ‘Dr. Phil’ Helps Her With Character Development