Lymphatic obstruction is a blockage of the lymph nodes -- vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed.
Lymphatic obstruction is also called lymphedema, which means swelling of the lymph passages. Lymph nodes may be enlarged for any reason.
Alternative NamesLymphedema
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThere are many causes of lymphatic obstruction, including:
In Western societies, one of the most common causes of lymphedema is removal of the breast (mastectomy) and underarm lymph tissue for Breast cancer. This can cause lymphedema of the arm in 10 - 15% of patients. This occurs because the lymphatic drainage of the arm passes through the armpit (axilla), and tissue in the axilla is removed during a mastectomy.
Rare forms of lymphedema that are present from birth (congenital) may result from problems in the development of the lymphatic vessels.
SymptomsThe main symptom is persistent (chronic) swelling, usually of the arm or leg.
Signs and testsThe doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history.
The following tests may be done:
Treatment for lymphedema includes:
Manual lymph drainage is a light Massage Therapy technique in which the skin is moved in certain directions based on the structure of the lymphatic system. This helps the fluid and waste drain through the right channels.
Treatment also includes skin care to prevent injuries, infection, and skin breakdown, as well as light exercise and movement programs. Exercise should be carefully designed by a physical therapist. It should help drainage without leading to swelling from overexertion, which could make your condition worse.
Wearing compression stockings on the affected area or using a pneumatic compression pump on and off may be helpful. Your doctor and physical therapist will decide which compression methods are best.
Surgery is used in some cases, but it has limited success. The surgeon must have a lot of experience with this type of procedure. You will still need physical therapy after surgery to reduce lymphedema.
Types of surgery include:
Rarely, the surgeon will bypass abnormal lymph tissue using vein grafts. These procedures are not usually successful and are often done experimentally.
Expectations (prognosis)Lymphedema is a chronic disease that usually requires lifelong management. In some cases, lymphedema improves with time. However, some swelling is usually permanent.
ComplicationsIn addition to swelling, the most common complications include:
You must be vigilant about skin care and hygiene. There is also a small risk of developing a lymph-tissue type of cancer.
Calling your health care providerSee your doctor if you have swelling of your arms, legs, or lymph nodes that does not go away.
PreventionSome surgeons are using a technique called sentinel lymph node dissection to prevent lymphedema from developing after surgery for breast cancer. However, this technique is not always appropriate or effective.
ReferencesKerchner K, Fleischer A, Yosipovitch G. Lower extremity lymphedema update: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:324-331.
Freedman DO. Filariasis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 379.
Muss HB. Breast cancer and differential diagnosis of benign lesions. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 208.
Lymphatic obstruction is a blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed. Lymphatic obstruction may cause lymphedema, which means swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages.
Alternative NamesLymphedema
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe most common reason for lymphatic obstruction is the removal or enlargement of the lymph nodes.
Causes of lymphatic obstruction include:
In Western societies, one of the most common causes of lymphedema is removal of the breast (mastectomy) and underarm lymph tissue for breast cancer. This causes lymphedema of the arm in 10 - 15% of patients, because the lymphatic drainage of the arm passes through the armpit (axilla).
Rare forms of lymphedema that are present from birth (congenital) may result from problems in the development of the lymphatic vessels.
SymptomsThe main symptom is persistent (chronic) swelling, usually of the arm or leg.
Signs and testsThe doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history.
The following tests may be done:
Treatment for lymphedema includes:
Manual lymph drainage is a light massage therapy technique in which the skin is moved in certain directions based on the structure of the lymphatic system. This helps the lymph fluid drain through the proper channels.
Treatment also includes Skin Care to prevent injuries, infection, and skin breakdown, as well as light exercise and movement programs. Exercise should be carefully designed by a physical therapist. It should help drainage without leading to swelling, which could make your condition worse.
Wearing compression stockings on the affected area or using a pneumatic compression pump on and off may be helpful. Your doctor and physical therapist will decide which compression methods are best.
Surgery is used in some cases, but it has limited success. The surgeon must have a lot of experience with this type of procedure. You will still need physical therapy after surgery to reduce lymphedema.
Types of surgery include:
Rarely, the surgeon will bypass abnormal lymph tissue using vein grafts. These procedures are not usually successful and are often done experimentally.
Expectations (prognosis)Lymphedema is a chronic disease that usually requires lifelong management. In some cases, lymphedema improves with time. However, some swelling is usually permanent.
ComplicationsIn addition to swelling, the most common complications include:
You must be vigilant about skin care and hygiene. There is also a small risk of developing a lymph-tissue type of cancer.
Calling your health care providerSee your doctor if you have swelling of your arms, legs, or lymph nodes that does not go away.
PreventionSome surgeons are using a technique called sentinel lymph node dissection to prevent lymphedema from developing after surgery for breast cancer. However, this technique is not always appropriate or effective.
ReferencesKerchner K, Fleischer A, Yosipovitch G. Lower extremity lymphedema update: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;59:324-331.
Freedman DO. Filariasis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 379.
Muss HB. Breast cancer and differential diagnosis of benign lesions. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 208.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/14/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
odema
yes, indeed.
Lymphatic obstruction is a blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed. Lymphatic obstruction may cause lymphedema, which means swelling due to a blockage of the lymph passages
With obstruction of the lymphatic system, lymph will be unable to return to the systemic circulation (ie - the blood). Instead, this lymph builds up in the tissues causing swelling that can become extreme. Elephantiasis occurs when a microorganism causes obstruction of the lymphatics and results in grossly swollen appendages.
There is no evidence that Lymphatic obstruction disorder is contagious, however you still want to maintain a high level of hygeine since skin irritations can occur.æ The swelling caused by this disorder is usually permanent.
ANSWER Simply put, lymphedEMA is an abnormal accumulation of tissue fluid in the lymphatic system. There are different causes, including infections and impairment of the lymphatic vessels or excessive production of fluid caused by venous obstruction. You can read all about it at your local library! <<<ADR>>>
Obstruction of the lymphatics cause decreased interstitium fluid drainage, leading to increased interstitial hydrostatic pressure, increased interstitial fluid volume, and eventually edema.
interstitial fluid,lymphatic nodes,lymphatic vessels
Lymphatic Pathways begin when the lymphatic capillaries come out of the lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic Vessles leave to lymphnodes and act as a filter for the liquid is going through.
The lymphatic fluid is usually directly emptied into the lymphatic ducts.
0the component of the lymphatic system is the lymph nodes
The lymphatic system is so important because if your lymphatic system does not work then that is where all of the bacteria comes out from. if your lymphatic system does not work then your lymph nodes will not work then that is where the bacteria is suppose to be taken out but if it is not there then you will have germs in your body that is why your lymphatic system is so important.