General Information About Lymphedema

Key Points

•     Lymphedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked.
•     The lymph system is a network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the body.
•     Lymphedema occurs when lymph is not able to flow through the body the way that it should.
•     There are two types of lymphedema.
•     Possible signs of lymphedema include swelling of the arms or legs.
•     Cancer and its treatment are risk factors for lymphedema.
•     Tests that examine the lymph system are used to diagnose lymphedema.
•     Stages may be used to describe lymphedema.

Lymphedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Lymphedema can cause long-term physical, psychological, and social problems for patients.

Lymphedema occurs when lymph is not able to flow through the body the way that it should.

When the lymph system is working as it should, lymph flows through the body and is returned to the bloodstream.

•  Fluid and plasma leak out of the capillaries (smallest blood vessels) and flow around body tissues so the cells can take up nutrients and oxygen.
•     Some of this fluid goes back into the bloodstream. The rest of the fluid enters the lymph system through tiny lymph vessels. These lymph vessels pick up the lymph and move it toward the heart. The lymph is slowly moved through larger and larger lymph vessels and passes through lymph nodes where waste is filtered from the lymph.
•     The lymph keeps moving through the lymph system and collects near the neck, then flows into one of two large ducts:
•         The right lymph duct collects lymph from the right arm and the right side of the head and chest.
•         The left lymph duct collects lymph from both legs, the left arm, and the left side of the head and chest. 
•     These large ducts empty into veins under the collarbones, which carry the lymph to the heart, where it is returned to the bloodstream.

When part of the lymph system is damaged or blocked, fluid cannot drain from nearby body tissues. Fluid builds up in the tissues and causes swelling.

There are two types of lymphedema.

Lymphedema may be either primary or secondary:

•     Primary lymphedema is caused by the abnormal development of the lymph system. Symptoms may occur at birth or later in life.
•     Secondary lymphedema is caused by damage to the lymph system. The lymph system may be damaged or blocked by infection, injury, cancer, removal of lymph nodes, radiation to the affected area, or scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgery.

This summary is about secondary lymphedema in adults that is caused by cancer or cancer treatment.

For more Information

Visit Fredicare Health Care Services

Beside Afiesere Primary School

Ighelli Delta State

or call 07035693972