lymphatics presentation Flashcards
Distal extremities:
dorsum of foot/hand
Stemmer sign: stage II or III
⚬ Skin between toes cannot be pinched
pitting edema
occurs at early stages
nonpitting edema
occurs at later stages
numbness and tingling
finger and toes
Dermal abnormalities:
cyst, fistula, papilloma, hyperkeratosis, lymphorrhea
Decreased range of motion (ROM)
➤ Delayed wound healing → increased risk of infection
Cellulitis is common
Stage 0
latent or subclinical condition where swelling is not evident despite
impaired lymph transport; extremity feels heavy (at risk)
Stage is referred to as latency stage or preclinical stage
Avoid running barefoot; be educated about protecting skin
Not considered reversible because lymphedema cannot be seen (cannot reverse
something you cannot see)
stage 1
pitting edema that subsides with limb elevation
Stage is also referred to as reversible lymphedema
Worsens with activity, heat, and humidity
Better in the morning; worse at night
stage 2
limb elevation does not reduce swelling, and pitting may or may not
occur during this stage as tissue fibrosis develops
Stage is also referred to as spontaneously irreversible lymphedema
Positive Stemmer Sign
stage 3
pitting is absent; “brawny” and trophic skin changes such as acanthosis,
fat deposits, and warty overgrowths develop (fibrotic)
Stage is also referred to as lymphostatic elephantiasis
Positive Stemmer Sign
Lymphadenopathy
Enlarged lymph nodes with or without tenderness
● Typically due to infection
● Localized lymphadenopathy: enlarged lymph node in one body region
● Generalized lymphadenopathy: enlarged lymph nodes in 2 or more body regions
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of lymph nodes
Lymphadenopathy accompanied by signs of infection (redness, tenderness)
Lymphangitis
Inflammation of lymph vessels
Acute bacterial (streptococcus) or viral infection that spreads throughout lymphatic
system
Red streaks are seen in skin proximal to infection site
