Lymphoedema is an excess of body fluid called lymph, that is retained in body tissue and results in swelling, most commonly an arm or leg, and other parts of the body. It is a medical condition that affects men and women and there are two types: primary and secondary.

Primary lymphoedema is congenital and caused by impaired lymph vessels and/or node development. It can present itself at anytime and progress slowly, however most commonly at birth, puberty or menopause. It results when the lymph transport system is insufficient and unable to carry and eliminate the body's daily production of lymph fluid.