LymphedemaCharlotte DaltonAugust 31, 2016Mr. Martinez

Cause and Definition Lymphedema is an unusual collection of protein rich

fluids in the network of tissue of the lymph nodes. It’s caused by blockage preventing drainage in the

lymph nodes. Blockage increases protein while retaining water and

causing swelling of the tissue. This protein increase stimulates rapid reproduction of

fiber producing cells, gathering of fluids, and swelling of affected area.

Also allows bacteria to enter below the skin causing cellulitis.

Lymphatic System A network of lymph vessels through the body to

collect extra fluid with proteins, lipids, and waste from tissues.

Fluid is then moved over to the lymph nodes, which filters waste and holds infection fighting cells.

Extra fluid in the lymph vessels is then returned to the bloodstream.

When these vessels are blocked it can result in swelling of affected area AKA lymphedema

Effects & Causes Commonly affects just one armor leg, sometimes

both which is rather uncommon. First leading cause is surgery for breast cancer, 10-

40% develop some form of lymphedema in same side of body as surgery.

Obesity is the second leading cause in the U.S. for lymphedema, though not as common.

Leading cause worldwide however is filaris infection. Those who suffer long term lymphedema for 10 years

or more have a 10% chance of getting lymphangiosarcoma, which is a form of cancer.

Primary Lymphedema Comes from a developmental abnormality of the

lymphatic system. Divided into 3 main types determined by age of

onset. Congenital lymphedema (Milroy Disease): occurs

anywhere from birth to 1 year, twice as likely in females and is 10-25% of cases.

Lymphedema praecox (Meige Disease): Is obvious from birth to 35 years, often appearing during puberty 4 times likely in females and is 65-80% of cases.

Lymphedema tarda: occurs later in life for those 35 and older and is the rarest form accounting for 10% of cases.

Secondary Lyphedema Linked to

Obesity Infections Trauma Therapeutic modalities Neoplasm

Signs & Symptoms Feeling of heaviness Tingling Tightness of jewelry or clothing Warmth Shooting pains Decreased ability to see or feel veins or tendons Redness of skin Asymmetrical appearance Tightness or reduced flexibility in joints Slight puffiness of skin

How Lymphedemas Diagnosed Thorough medical history and physical exams are

done to rule out other causes CT or MRI’s may help define lymph node architecture

or identify tumers and other abnormalities Lyphoscintigraphy is a test involving injecting a tracer

dye into lymph vessels then observing flow of fluid using imaging showing blockage in lymph flow

Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow and help identify blood clots in the veins

Possible Treatments No cure for lymphedema although treatments help reduce swelling,

discomfort and more. Elastic sleeves or stockings which must fit properly and provide

compression from the end of the limb toward the trunk. Bandages have to be wrapped more tightly around the end of the limb

and loosley toward the trunk, to encourage lymph flow out of the limb toward the center of the body.

Pneumatic compression devices which are sleeves or stockings connected to a pump.

Manual compression which includes message techniques known as manual lymph drainage

Exercising to lighly contract and stimulate arm and leg muscles may be perscribed to help stimulate lymph flow

Surgery is used to remove extra fluid and tissue in sever cases

Sites http://emedicine.medscape.com http://lymphaticnetwork.org http://www.meicinenet.com http://stepup-speakout.org