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Lymphedema Pathology & Staging Flashcards

6 cards from real CLT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which tissue change in chronic lymphedema results from macrophage activity digesting accumulated proteins?

    Answer: Fibrosis from chronic inflammatory response and protein degradation

    Chronic protein accumulation triggers macrophages and inflammatory cells that stimulate fibroblasts, leading to progressive fibrosis that hardens the tissue.

  2. The Stemmer sign is a clinical test for lymphedema that involves what assessment?

    Answer: Attempting to pinch and lift a fold of skin at the base of the second toe (or finger)

    A positive Stemmer sign occurs when skin at the base of the second digit cannot be lifted into a fold due to subcutaneous fibrotic changes, indicating lymphedema.

  3. Cancer-related secondary lymphedema most commonly occurs after treatment for which cancer in the US?

    Answer: Breast cancer

    Breast cancer treatment, particularly axillary lymph node dissection and radiation, is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the United States.

  4. What is the estimated lifetime risk of lymphedema for breast cancer survivors who undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)?

    Answer: 20–40%

    Studies report approximately 20–40% of breast cancer survivors who undergo ALND will develop lymphedema, with risk increasing when radiation is added.

  5. Lipedema differs from lymphedema in that lipedema involves what primary tissue change?

    Answer: Symmetrical, painful pathological fat deposition, predominantly in women

    Lipedema is a chronic disease of abnormal fat deposition that is symmetrical, affects women almost exclusively, spares the feet, and is painful to palpation.

  6. Which condition, when coexisting with lymphedema, is called 'lipolymphedema'?

    Answer: Lipedema that has progressed to involve secondary lymphatic dysfunction

    Lipolymphedema occurs when advanced lipedema mechanically impairs lymphatic drainage, adding a true lymphedema component to the existing lipedema.