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LYMPHEDEMA

© Lauren Parthun

The Lymphatic System

To understamd lymphedema, it's important to know something about the lympathatic system. The lymphatic system is a delicate network of vessels, tissues and nodes found in every part of the body. Lymph is a colorless fluid which collects and removes waste products from the tissue spaces through this network. This inter celluar fluid is absorbed into the lymph vessels and transported into lymph nodes for filtering before returning to the bloodstream. Lymph nodes exist in clusters throughout the body; tonsils are a familiar example. In addition to filtering lymph fluid, nodes also store white blood cells and thus have an important immune system function. Unlike the circulatory system for the blood, the lymphatics have no pumping system. Lymph fluid is moved through the body by muscular activity, by movement of the diaphragm during breathing, and by gravity.

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an accumalation of lymphatic fluid in the inter stitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arms and /or legs, and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired (primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or removed (secondary).

When the impairment becomes so great that the lymphatic fluid exceeds the lyphatic transport capacity. an abnormal amount of protein-rich fluid collects in the tissues of the effected area. Left untreated, this stagnant, protein-rich not only causes tissue channels to increase in size an number, but also reduces oxygen availability into the system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in lmphangitis (infection).

What causes lymphedema?

Secondary or aquired lymphedema can develop as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma. Specific surgeries, such as surgery for melanoma or breast, gynecological, head and neck, prostate or testicular, bladder or colon cancer, all of which currently require removal of lymph nodes, put patients at risk for developing secondary lymphedema. If lymph nodes are removed there is always a risk of lymphedema developing. Secondary lymphedema can develop immediately post-operatively, or weeks, months, even years later.

Symptoms of lymphedema

Lymphedema can develop in any part of the body or limb(s). Signs or symptoms of lymphedema to watch for include: a full sensation in the limb(s), skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist, or ankle and persistent swelling. It is very important that you seek immediate medical advice as early diagnosis and treatment improves both the prognosis and the condition.

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