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Your body is made up of many systems, each one taking
care of a certain part of the body's everyday,
life-sustaining needs. You know what the digestive system,
the circulatory system, and the respiratory system do. But
do you know what the lymphatic system does for you?
The lymphatic system is a complex system, composed of
organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels that
transport lymph from tissues to the blood stream. Lymph is a
transparent fluid containing white blood cells known as
lymphocytes and antibodies that destroy foreign substances
in the body and are a major part of the body's immune
system.
Lymph vessels make up a network that covers every inch of
your skin and surrounds each organ. The organs in the
lymphatic system include the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and
thymus.
Eventually, all lymph vessels will drain into lymph nodes
where the lymph is filtered. Lymph nodes are located in
clusters in various parts of the body such as the neck,
armpit, and groin. They produce lymphocytes, monocytes, and
plasma cells.
The lymphatic system has been called the garbage disposal
system of the body, transporting toxic substances to the
blood stream for elimination. Lymph nodes filter the lymph
fluid and remove foreign material, including cancer cells.
Infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymph nodes
trap, attack, and destroy bacteria. When the lymph nodes
recognize foreign substances, they enlarge as they produce
additional white blood cells to fight the infection.
Lymphedema -- The story
Some malignant cells may "travel" through the lymph
system. One of the functions of lymph nodes is to filter
foreign matter--including cancer cells--from the body. The
surgical removal of involved nodes may be used to limit the
spread of the cancer.
Once the lymph nodes have been removed or destroyed,
lymph fluid may build up in the tissues resulting in
lymphedema. Lymphedema can result from surgery, radiation,
infection, or trauma and is often related to cancer
treatment.
"If untreated, lymphedema may cause tissue changes,
increased rates of infection, decreased wound healing and
ulceration," says Carolyn Wadsworth, P.T., UI Department of
Rehabilitation Therapies Certified Hand Therapist.
Lymphedema may cause:
- Burning or heat in the limb
- Increase in limb girth
- Heaviness of limb
- Pain, aching of limb
- Skin pitting
- Puffiness of skin
- Numbness or tingling in limb
- Decreased flexibility
Lymphedema is a serious condition. There is no cure and
once developed, lymphedema is a chronic condition requiring
daily treatment. Here's what you can do:
- Avoid infections, burns, or injuries to the affected
area.
- Keep the area clean and moisturized
- Use insect repellant and sunscreen to protect the
area
- Wear protective gloves when working in the kitchen or
garden
- Exercise regularly, but don't fatigue the affected
area. (Check with your physician before beginning any
exercise program.)
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and jewelry
- Avoid heavy lifting and pulling
- Get shots or have blood drawn from unaffected
areas
- If your leg is affected, wear well-fitting, closed
toe shoes, don't go barefoot, and avoid stockings with
tight elastic bands
For information about treatment, contact the lymphedema
management team in the Physical Therapy Division of the
Department of Rehabilitation Therapies at 356-2663 or call
UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 104, or 800-777-8442,
ext. 104.
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For more information:
Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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