Lymphatic Education and Research Network, Lymphedema Lymphatic Disease

Kathy Bates kicked off the inaugural DC #LymphWalk May 12

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LE&RN activists gathered in DC for #LymphaticFunding

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Welcome our new Connecticut and Illinois chapters!

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Harvard Lymphedema Symposium videos now available!

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Learn More About Lymphatic Diseases

Lymphatic Continuum (LC) refers to the continuum of diseases impacted by the lymphatic system including heart disease, AIDS, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

Lymphedema (LE) is a chronic, debilitating lymphatic disease that results in disfiguring swelling in one or more parts of the body due to a damaged lymphatic system. WHO estimates over 170 million people suffer from LE worldwide. The swelling is caused by a combination of lymph stagnation and the structural alterations in the tissues. LE can be genetic or inherited (Primary) or it can occur as a consequence of a surgical procedure, infections, radiation therapy, or other forms of physical trauma (Secondary).

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) threatens 1.4 billion people in 73 countries. Commonly known as elephantiasis, 120 million are currently infected by this mosquito carrying parasitic disease. Over 40 million of those affected by LF are disfigured and incapacitated by the disease.

Lipedema (LI) is an adipose tissue disorder or a lipid metabolism disorder that affects approximately 11% of women, often in the hips and legs, but also in the upper arms. Lipedema fat is relatively unresponsive to diet and exercise. Lipedema is both an excess buildup of fat cells in a particular area, and the expansion of those fat cells.

Lymphatic Malformations (LM) are rare, non-malignant masses consisting of fluid-filled channels or spaces caused by the abnormal development of the lymphatic system. LM is usually apparent at birth or by two years of age and most commonly affects the head and neck.