In children, lymphoedema is usually primary, meaning the lymphatic system did not develop normally before birth. Some lymphatic vessels may be missing, too small or not work as they should.
Although swelling most often affects the feet and legs, lymphoedema can occur almost anywhere in the body. It may affect the arms, hands, fingers, face, eyelids, neck or genital area.
In a small number of children, lymph fluid can also build up inside the body, for example around the lungs, inside the abdomen or, more rarely, around the heart.
Although swelling most often affects the feet and legs, lymphoedema can occur almost anywhere in the body. It may affect the arms, hands, fingers, face, eyelids, neck or genital area.
In a small number of children, lymph fluid can also build up inside the body, for example around the lungs, inside the abdomen or, more rarely, around the heart.