Tuesday, March 1, 2011

The Lymphatic System & Lymphedema

The lymphatic system is a structure which unfortunately most of us do not fully understand. Yet, it is responsible for numerous essential daily functions within the body.

The lymphatic system has three primary functions:

1. It plays a role in immune system function by destroying pathogens and clearing waste

2. It removes large cells our circulatory system cannot handle such as dead blood cells, toxins and cell debris

3. It works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, oxygen and hormones to bodily tissues

A diagnosis of cancer commonly also means that there has been a spread of the disease to the lymph nodes in the affected region. During surgery to remove cancerous tissue, lymph nodes are often removed or damaged in the process. Additionally, common treatment techniques, such as radiation therapy, can cause further damage to the remaining lymph nodes. This damage to the lymphatic system results in an inability to properly drain lymphatic fluid from the affected region, thus resulting in swelling. This condition is termed Secondary Lymphedema.
Primary Lymphedema develops when lymphatic vessels are absent or impaired from birth.

1 comment:

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