Stages of Lymphedema:
Latency Stage
There is no visible swelling, but there is a feeling of heaviness, fullness or discomfort.
Stage I:
Spontaneously Reversible
Spontaneously Reversible
Swelling may decrease with elevation. The swelling causes indentation in the skin after pressure is applied.
Stage II:
Spontaneously Irreversible
Spontaneously Irreversible
Pitting becomes progressively more difficult. Tissue under the skin begins to harden.
Stage III:
Lymphostatic Elephantiasis
Lymphostatic Elephantiasis
A tremendous increase in volume is present; the tissue is very hard and skin changes are beginning to occur.