The psycho-social impact of lymphedema.

Patients with lymphedema experience multiple psycho-social problems. Healthcare professionals who deal with patients who have venous disease, lymphatic malformations, or secondary lymphedema are uniquely positioned to help address psycho-social issues in these patients. To address these concerns in practice settings, it is necessary to become familiar with the lymphatic system and to approach patients with compassion based upon an understanding of the difficulties and frustrations they may be experiencing. Caregivers must learn to recognize that these problems exist, assess patients for these problems, and assist them in obtaining needed services.