What is Lymphedema?

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? THE LYMPH SYSTEM The lymph system is one of your bodies circulatory systems. It is composed of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and organs such as the bone marrow, spleen, thymus and is also believed to include tonsils. Is function includes the absorption and elimination of excess fluids, it assists in the absorption of fat and very important is critical to our bodies ability to fight infections and is critical in the immune system functions. When this system is not formed correctly, is damaged through injury or infection or is removed (nodes) then lymphedema is a very real possibility. LYMPHEDEMA As mentioned previously lymphedema is a condition that occurs from a damaged or dysfunctional lymphatic system. There are two different types of lymphedema. PRIMARY LYMPHEDEMA PRIMARY LYMPHEDEMA can be hereditary. Milroy's Disease or Syndrome will generally express itself at birth or in the very early years. Meige Lymphedema, also known as lymphedema praecox generally begins sometime during puberty. The actual gene that causes hereditary lymphedema has finally been identified and there is now even research beginning that will hopefully lead to prevention and even cures. Lymphedema tarda generally begins later on in life. SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA is generally cause by an obstruction to or injury to the lymph system that leads to an interruption of the normal lymphatic flow. In the industrialized world the number one cause of secondary lymphedema is the removal of lymph nodes in cancer biopsies. This is a tragedy in my opinion as today it can be prevented. With the advent of PET/CAT and other scans and especially with small needle biopsies and flow cytometry there is no reason for this type of lymphedema to continue. Any node removal for any type of cancer puts an individual at great risk of developinf secondary lymphedema. Of the cancer patients that form the largest segment of the secondary lymphedema group, breast cancer patients develop it the most frequently. It can also becaused by radiation in cancer treatment. This type of lymphedema can also be caused by insect bites and infections. In the tropical climates the most common cause of secondary lymphedma is infection from filarial worms. Generally, resulting from mosquito bites. This parasite then grows eventually blocking and destroying the lymphatic system. THE LYMPH SYSTEM The diagram to the below shows the lymphatic system and related organs. (Cancer Research UK) See this link for the diagram: http://ourworld.cs.com/AmyLHWilliams/Lymphedema/lymphatic.bmp Also an article my therapist did and I did. Must have adobe reader to view. http://www.amylhwilliams.com/lymphedemaOH.pdf