![]() Overview of lymphedema for physicians and other clinicians: A review of fundamental concepts. Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include: Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection. Clinical staging and conservative management of peripheral lymphedema. Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodes. Clinical features and diagnosis of peripheral lymphedema. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. In: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. A rare form of soft tissue cancer can result from the most-severe cases of untreated lymphedema. In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant. With severe swelling, the lymph fluid can drain through small breaks in the skin or cause blistering. Sepsis requires emergency medical treatment. Untreated cellulitis can spread into the bloodstream and trigger sepsis - a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to keep on hand so that you can start taking them immediately. Affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch. The trapped fluid provides fertile ground for germs, and the smallest injury to the arm or leg can be an entry point for infection. Risk factorsįactors that may increase the risk of developing lymphedema include: Less commonly, lymphedema results from inherited conditions in which the lymphatic system doesn't develop properly. In developing countries in the tropics, the most common cause of lymphedema is infection with threadlike worms that clog the lymph nodes. However, this doesn't always result in lymphedema. In cancer surgery, lymph nodes are often removed to see if the disease has spread. Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation of lymph nodes or lymph vessels. ![]() For instance, a tumor growing near a lymph node or lymph vessel could enlarge enough to block the flow of the lymph fluid. If cancer cells block lymph vessels, lymphedema may result. The most common causes of lymphedema include: Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are not able to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. The lymph fluid is pushed through the lymph vessels by muscle contractions as you move through the tasks of your day and small pumps in the wall of the lymph vessels. Lymph nodes act as filters and contain cells that fight infection and cancer. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carry protein-rich lymph fluid throughout the body.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |