What lymph system disorder can result from surgery or radiation treatment?

What lymph system disorder can result from surgery or radiation treatment?

Lymphedema is swelling caused by excess lymphatic fluid (lymph) collecting in the body’s soft tissues, usually in the arms or legs. It is a chronic (ongoing) condition seen mostly in people who have undergone cancer interventions including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

What happens when 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.

How does lymphedema affect the lymphatic system?

A disruption to the lymphatic system can, in the long term, undermine its ability to drain fluid properly. As a result, excess fluid can build up in parts of the body. Lymphedema increases the risk of infection and other complications because the lymphocytes cannot reach parts of the body where swelling occurs.

What is lymphedema caused from?

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are not able to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. The most common causes of lymphedema include: Cancer. If cancer cells block lymph vessels, lymphedema may result.

What organs are associated with the lymphatic system?

What Does the Lymphatic System Do?

• bone marrow.
• spleen.
• thymus gland.
• lymph nodes. lymph nodes.
• tonsils.

What causes the lymphatic system to malfunction?

The most common causes of lymphedema include: Cancer. If cancer cells block lymph 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.

What causes lymphedema to get worse?

What causes poor lymphatic drainage?

Too many toxins are a primary factor, while poor diet and overexposure to environmental toxins can overload the lymphatic system. In addition, lack of sleep, dehydration, stress, emotional trauma, infections, and lack of movement can stagnate and sometimes even stop the lymph flow.

What are the four stages of lymphedema?

Stages

• Stage 1: Abnormal flow in the lymphatic system. No signs or symptoms.
• Stage 2: Accumulation of fluid with swelling.
• Stage 3: Permanent swelling that does not resolve with elevation.
• Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.

What causes swelling in the lymph nodes after cancer treatment?

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.

How is lymphedema caused by cancer treatment?

Facts on Lymphedema Caused by Cancer Treatment Lymphedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. The lymph system is a network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the body. Lymphedema occurs when lymph is not able to flow through the body the way that it should.

Can a cancer tumor block the flow of lymph fluid?

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.

How is the lymph system affected by cancer?

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg, but it can also affect other parts of the body.