One of the effects of lymph accumulation in tissues is to cause an increase in connective tissue fibres, which further restricts the function of the lymphatic vessels. The disease can be divided into three stages depending on its severity:

Stage 0 – undetected damage

The lymphatic vessels are damaged - but this is not yet recognised. They are still capable of transporting adequate amounts of lymph and no swelling occurs.

Stage 1 – reversible stage

Swelling occurs after physical effort or at the end of the day. It is soft and a pit forms when it is pressed. The oedema disappears during the night or after a few days of bed rest.

Stage 2 - spontaneously irreversible stage

Even after longer bed rest, the oedema no longer disappears. However the swelling can be removed by expert treatment. In this stage, the susceptibility to infection is greatly increased.

Stage 3 – irreversible stage

The oedema is irreversible, i.e. it is virtually impossible to remove the swelling. Other complications such as eczema, erysipelas and lymphatic fistulas may occur. In this stage so-called "elephantiasis" can develop.