1. Lymphedema
Charlotte Dalton
August 31, 2016
Mr. Martinez

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Secondary Lyphedema
 Linked to
 Obesity
 Infections
 Trauma
 Therapeutic modalities
 Neoplasm

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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