A patient has a lymphedema with edema that is pitting and present in the morning, but worsens with standing, and improves with elevation due to Stage 1 features. Which stage is described?

• A. Stage 0
• B. Stage 1
• C. Stage 2
• D. Stage 3

Answer: (B)

Stage 1 lymphedema is characterized by soft, pitting edema that is reversible with elevation and rest. The swelling can be present in the morning and tends to worsen with standing because gravity increases hydrostatic pressure in dependent tissues, then improve when the limb is elevated. The fact that the edema pits on palpation indicates it’s fluid-filled rather than fibrotic tissue. As lymphedema progresses to Stage 2, the edema becomes less easily reduced with elevation and tissue begins to fibrose, leading to less or non-pitting swelling. Stage 3 involves more pronounced skin changes and elephantiasis. So the described presentation aligns with Stage 1.