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Lymphedema

Also called: Lymphatic obstruction 
 
 

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is made up mainly of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph. Lymph vessels, which are different from blood vessels, carry fluid called lymph throughout your body.

The lymphatic system collects excess fluid and proteins from body tissues and carries them back to the bloodstream. Edema, or swelling, may happen when there is an increase in the amount of fluid or because of a blockage in the lymphatic system. The accumulation of lymph is called lymphedema.

Causes of lymphedema include

  • Infection
  • Cancer
  • Scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgical removal of lymph nodes
  • Inherited conditions in which lymph nodes or vessels are absent or abnormal

Treatment includes physical methods, such as compression stockings, and medicines.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

 

 

 
 
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Illustration of the lymphatic system

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

National Institutes of Health