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Lymphedema

Lymphedema Overview

Lymphedema is swelling in one or more of the arms or legs that arises due to damage or poor function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that course throughout the body to collect excess fluid as well as waste products. The fluid is filtered at the lymph nodes, which are important in fighting infection and are a key part of the lymphatic system. Eventually, the excess fluid removed from the tissues is drained into the bloodstream.

Lymphedema most commonly affects one of the extremities only, but in some cases both arms or both legs are affected. Estimates suggest that 140 to 250 million people worldwide suffer from lymphedema.

Lymphedema Causes

Lymphedema may be classified as primary or secondary.

Primary lymphedema

Lymphedema can occur due to a defect in the function of the lymphatic system, although this is not common. In this situation, the lymphedema is referred to as primary lymphedema. Depending upon when in life the signs and symptoms develop, primary lymphedema is termed congenital lymphedema (present from the time of birth), lymphedema praecox, or Meige disease. Milroy disease is a one specific type of primary lymphedema that is inherited in a sex-linked genetic pattern.

Secondary lymphedema

Much more commonly, lymphedema occurs because of damage or destruction of a lymphatic system that was previously functioning normally (secondary lymphedema). The most common cause of lymphedema in the U.S. is breast cancer surgery, especially in combination with radiation therapy, which can cause lymphedema of the arm on the side of the body affected by the cancer. Other surgeries, such as vein stripping, peripheral vascular surgery, scar excisions, or any procedure that potentially damages lymph nodes and vessels can result in lymphedema.

Worldwide, filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema. Filariasis is infestation of lymph nodes by the parasite Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted among humans by mosquitoes. Filariasis is a significant public health problem affecting millions in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of Central and South America. In people suffering with filariasis, the entire leg, arm, or genital area may swell to several times its normal size, causing long-term disability.

Other conditions characterized by damage to lymph nodes can also cause lymphedema, including infiltration of lymph nodes by cancer or damage due to trauma, burns, radiation, compression, or infection.



Next: Lymphedema Symptoms »

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Lymphedema

Swollen Lymph Nodes Overview

Lymph nodes (erroneously called lymph glands) are a part of the lymphatic system, a component of the body's immune system. Swollen lymph nodes may signal an infection.

There are several groups of lymph nodes, which are small, bean-shaped, soft nodules of tissue. The ones most frequently enlarged or swollen are found in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin.

  • The lymphatic system consists of nodes and ducts spread throughout the body. They bring the lymph [the tissue fluid surrounding the cells, which contains white blood cells (lymphocytes), fluid from the intestines (chyle), and some red blood cells] back into the circulation through the veins. Lymph contains a concentration of infectious and other foreign substances (antigens).
  • Lymph nodes are small clusters of cells, surrounded by a capsule. Ducts go in and out of them. The cells in lymph nodes are lymphocytes...

Read the Swollen Lymph Nodes article »



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