Lymphatic diseases cover any disorder that impairs lymph-vessel drainage or nodal function. The most common manifestation is lymphedema—chronic swelling of body tissues—but other signs vary with cause (infection, tumours, trauma, malformation). Typical features include:

1. Pitting or non-pitting swelling
   Protein-rich fluid collects in the sub-cutis, producing enlargement of the limb, face, genitals or trunk; early swelling pits with pressure, later becomes hard and non-pitting .
2. Heaviness and tightness
   Patients describe a constant “weight” or bursting sensation in the affected part, worse toward evening and relieved only by elevation or compression.
3. Reduced range of motion
   Swelling around joints limits flexion and walking; long-standing disease leads to flexion contractures.
4. Recurrent skin infections
   Stagnant lymph predisposes to cellulitis and lymphangitis—red, hot, painful plaques with fever that appear unpredictably and damage remaining lymphatics .
5. Skin changes
   Progressively dry, thickened (hyperkeratotic) skin; cobble-stone papules, deep folds, and leak of milky lymph fluid (lymphorrhea) develop in advanced stages .
6. Cosmetic and psychological impact
   Enlarged limbs or facial distortion cause embarrassment, anxiety and social withdrawal; prompt counselling is part of care .
7. Complication flags
   Sudden increase in size, purple discoloration, severe pain, or open weeping suggest acute infection or, rarely, lymphangiosarcoma and require urgent assessment .

Early recognition, lifelong skin care, compression, exercise and weight control slow deterioration; any new swelling persisting >4 weeks merits specialist referral and imaging.