Swelling (medical)

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Name of Symptom/Sign:
Swelling
Classifications and external resources
ICD-10 R22
ICD-9 782.2, 784.2, 786.6, 789.3

In medicine, swelling is the enlargement of organs caused by accumulation of excess fluid in tissues, called edema.

It can occur throughout the body (generalized), or only some part or organ is affected (localized).

It is considered one of the five characteristics of inflammation.

In a general sense, the suffix "-megaly" is used to indicate a growth, as in hepatomegaly, acromegaly, and splenomegaly.

Parts of the body may swell in response to injury, infection or disease, or because of an underlying lump. Swelling can also occur if the body is not circulating fluid well (especially ankle swelling).

Generalized swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in severely ill people. Although slight edema may be difficult to detect, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious.

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Swelling symptoms:

General possible causes of localized swelling:

  • Injury
  • Infection
  • Skin swelling
  • Dependent edema
  • Lymphatic obstruction
  • Venous thrombosis.

Some possible causes of skin swelling include:

See also edema and causes of edema.

Some possible causes of a swollen limb include:

  • Swollen ankles
  • Venous thrombosis
  • Lymphatic obstruction
  • Allergic reaction
  • Cancer and bone cancer

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