Why do cancer patients get lymphatic problems?
Radiation treatment for cancer. Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation of your lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Cancer. If cancer cells block lymphatic vessels, lymphedema may result. For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could enlarge enough to block the flow of the lymph fluid. Infection.
What causes fluid in the lymphatic system?
Causes. Your lymphatic system carries this fluid and harmful substances through your lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. The wastes are then filtered out by lymphocytes — infection-fighting cells that live in your lymph nodes — and ultimately flushed from your body.
What is primary lymphedema caused by?
Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include: Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema). This disorder begins in infancy and causes lymph nodes to form abnormally.
What does the lymphatic system do in the body?
The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system, which protects against infection and disease. The lymphatic system includes the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and lymph channels, as well as the tonsils and adenoids. Lymphedema is swelling in an arm or a leg.
Is caused by damage to lymphatic vessels caused by cancer treatment surgery radiation or burns?
Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid in soft tissue that causes swelling. It can happen if lymph nodes or lymph vessels are removed or damaged by cancer treatment. Surgery and radiation can cause this damage.
What happens if lymphatic vessels are damaged?
A poorly working lymphatic system causes tissues to become swollen with fluid. This is called lymphedema. It commonly results in swelling in your arms or legs. Other parts of the body can be affected, too.
What causes damage to lymphatic vessels?
An infection, such as cellulitis, can sometimes cause lymphoedema. Severe cellulitis can damage the tissue around the lymphatic system, causing it to become scarred. Filariasis can also cause lymphoedema. Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms.
What cancer treatment causes lymphedema?
For people with cancer, the build-up of lymph fluid can be caused by: Cancer surgery, especially when lymph nodes are removed. Radiation therapy that can damage nearby lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Infections that damage surrounding tissue or cause scarring.
What diseases affect the lymphatic system?
Common infections that can cause enlarged lymph nodes include strep throat, mononucleosis, HIV infection and infected skin wounds. Lymphadenitis refers to lymphadenopathy that is caused by an infection or inflammatory condition.
What is Milroy's disease?
Milroy disease is a condition that affects the normal function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system produces and transports fluids and immune cells throughout the body. Impaired transport with accumulation of lymph fluid can cause swelling (lymphedema ).
What causes elephantiasis?
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a painful and profoundly disfiguring disease. It is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea that are transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos.
What is lymphedema tarda?
Lymphedema tarda is a congenital disease characterized by underdevelopment of lymphatic pathways. It manifests commonly after the third decade as accumulation of lymph in the interstitial spaces of the skin. Wound healing is significantly impaired.
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly.
What causes lymphatic swelling?
Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections.
Is Lipedema the same as lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system and swelling is caused by dysfunction of the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. Lipedema does not involve the lymphatic system, but the symptoms may be similar. View our infographic below for more information about these two different conditions.
Does chemotherapy cause lymphedema?
What Causes Lymphedema? Lymphedema can be caused by cancer or by cancer treatment. Sometimes a cancerous tumor can get big enough to block the lymph system. Surgery to remove cancer may also remove lymph nodes or some of the vessels that carry the lymph fluid.
What causes lymph nodes to form abnormally?
Specific causes of primary lymphedema include: Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema). This disorder begins in infancy and causes lymph nodes to form abnormally.
What is the lymphatic system?
Your body's lymphatic system is part of your immune system, which protects you against infection and disease. The lymphatic system includes your spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and lymph channels, as well as your tonsils and adenoids.
Why do my arms and legs swell?
Sometimes both arms or both legs swell. Lymphedema is most commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. The blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining well, and the fluid buildup leads to swelling.
What are the complications of lymphedema in the arm?
Complications. Lymphedema in your arm or leg can lead to serious complications, such as: Infections . Possible infections that can result from lymphedema include a serious bacterial infection of the skin (cellulitis) and an infection of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis).
What is primary lymphedema?
Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in your body. Specific causes of primary lymphedema include: Milroy's disease (congenital lymphedema). This disorder begins in infancy and causes lymph nodes to form abnormally.
How to get rid of cancer on your arm?
For example, shave with an electric razor, wear gloves when you garden or cook, and use a thimble when you sew. If possible, avoid medical procedures, such as blood draws and vaccinations, in your affected limb. Rest your arm or leg while recovering. After cancer treatment, exercise and stretching are encouraged.
What is the smallest injury to your arm or leg?
The smallest injury to your arm or leg can be an entry point for infection. Lymphangiosarcoma. This rare form of soft tissue cancer can result from the most-severe cases of untreated lymphedema. Possible signs of lymphangiosarcoma include blue-red or purple marks on the skin.