Risk factors for the development of oedema and lymphoedema

An important symptom of ill health in clinical medicine is the development of oedema, which represents an imbalance in the amount of fluid entering and leaving the tissues of the body. Although medical treatment for the underlying cause of oedema is required, in both cancer and non-cancer settings risk factors that may increase or decrease the potential for oedema to develop or worsen can be identified. For the patient who has risk factors for the development of oedema, advice and education can enable the risk to be modified. Reducing the risk of oedema formation will help avoid long-term problematic oedema and complex skin conditions, as well as maintaining the patient's quality of life. This article discusses some of the risk factors for oedema and lymphoedema and concludes with an outline of how the risk can be managed.