What is the most common cause of lymphedema in the United States?

The most common cause of lymphedema in the United States is surgical disruption following breast cancer surgery. This condition often occurs when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during surgical procedures, such as mastectomy or lumpectomy, which are commonly performed for cancer treatment. The disruption in lymphatic flow can lead to an accumulation of lymph fluid, resulting in swelling and lymphedema, particularly in an arm or chest area.

In the context of breast cancer treatment, the removal of lymph nodes is done to prevent the spread of cancer and is lifesaving; however, it can have the drawback of causing lymphedema. This makes it a significant concern for healthcare providers and patients alike, as managing lymphedema is important for patient quality of life and ongoing health.

Other conditions that can cause lymphedema, such as increased capillary pressure, filariasis, or trauma, play a less prominent role in the U.S. population. Increased capillary pressure typically leads to conditions like edema rather than lymphedema specifically, filariasis, a parasitic infection leading to lymphedema, is rare in the U.S., and trauma can cause localized swelling but is not a