Module 4 Lymphatic Flashcards
Lymphedema
an excessive and persistent accumulation of extravascular & extracellular fluid and proteins in tissue spaces
What kind of system is the lymphatic system?
open
What are the main components of the lymphatic system?
water and protein in the extracellular spaces
Primary lymphedema
an inherent problem with the structures of the lymphatic system
Secondary Lymphedema
an injury to lymphatic structures by sx, radiation, trauma, or infection
Primary lymphedema cause
insufficient development and congenital malformation
What are the 3 primary lymphedema stages
congenital
Praecox
Tarda
Congenital lymphedema
presents at birth and is sometimes know as milroy’s disease
Praecox (early) lymphedema
develops prior to 35 years of age
Tarda lymphedema
develops after 35 years of age
Primary lymphedema typically affects _________
more females than males and presents more often in the lower extremities
What are the most common types of secondary lymphedema
cancers of breast, pelvis, and abdomen
Lymphangitis
inflammation of lymph vessels
Lymphadenitis
inflammation of lymph nodes
lymphadenopathy
enlargements of lymph nodes
Radiation therapy associated with treatment of malignment tumors also can cause
fibrosis of vessels
When edema persists the skin becomes
less supple over time and takes on a brownish pigmentation
Phlebolymphedema
a venous-lymphatic dysfunction has a mixture of low protein edema from protein edema from the venous system and a high protein edema from the lymphatic system
Clinical findings of lymphedema
pitting swelling in the dorsal aspect of the foot with swelling in the toes
Dependent edema
accumulation of the fluids in the peripheral aspects of the limbs, particularly when the distal segments are lower than the heart
Lymphedema severity
based on staging or changes that occur in skin and subcutaneous tissue - pitting, brawny, and weeping
Pitting edema
indentions in skin
Brawny edema
edema areas feel hard with palpation
Weeping edema
fluid is leakining
