Osmosis: Lymphedema

Question 1

what is lymphedema?

Answer 1

buildup of lymph in tissues due to backup of lymphatic system

Question 2

what is lymphedema?

Answer 2

when the lymph gets backed up and the interstitial fluid can’t drain and accumulates in the interstitial space

proteins and debris also builds up! this causes an inflammatory reaction and macrophages release infalmmatory molecules which damages cells and leads to fibrosis which causes hardening of the area

Question 3

what causes lymphedema?

Answer 3

filariasis = nematode infection, specifically wuchereria bancrofti, brig makati and bugle timor

when these nematodes get in the lymph they cause fibrosis both of which create a block and prevent flow of lymph

but in the US it’s usually caused by breast cancer or its treatment

Question 4

what causes lymphedema?

Answer 4

filariasis = nematode infection, specifically wuchereria bancrofti, brig makati and bugle timor

when these nematodes get in the lymph they cause fibrosis both of which create a block and prevent flow of lymph

but in the US it’s usually caused by breast cancer or its treatment

the are secondary lymphedemas

Question 5

what is primary lymphedema?

Answer 5

lymphatic obstruction caused by a congenital condition that doesn’t allow the lymphatic system to develop properly and not some other secondary disease

lymphedema praecox = before 35, usually genetic

lymphedema tarda = develops after 35

Question 6

which other condition is related to lymphedema?

Answer 6

turner’s syndrome

Question 7

how do you diagnose lymphedema?

Answer 7

there aren’t a lot of early signs and it mimics chronic venous insufficiency…

usually happens on just one side of the body though in comparison to CVI which is both sides of the body

WHO Stages
stage 0: lymphatic damage but enough lymph is still being removed so no lymphedema

stage 1: tissue is in the pitting stage where it indents when pressed and reversed when elevated; effected area is almost normal in size in the morning

stage 2: tissue takes on spongy consistency and is non pitting; it bounces back when it’s pressed, fibrosis happens and limbs harden

stage 3: swelling becomes irreversible and the effected limbs are really large and hardened from fibrosis

Question 8

how do you treat lymphedema?

Answer 8

1. compressive bandages to help fluid from accumulating
2. lymphatic massage to help with lymph flow
3. surgery to improve drainage or reduce fluid load