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Lymphedema
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Lymphedema is an abnormal buildup of lymph in the tissues. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that normally drains away through the lymphatic vessels. In lymphedema, that lymphatic drainage is impaired, and the fluid stays in the interstitial tissues, the space between cells. It is chronic and progressive: it lingers and gets worse over time.
The interesting part is which side the problem is on. The problem is not that more fluid than normal arrives: capillary filtration, the leaking of fluid from the smallest vessels into the tissue, is normal. What falls short is the transport capacity of the lymphatics, which is why it is called low-output lymphatic failure. Picture a sink that fills up because the drain can't keep up, even though the faucet is running normally.
It can be primary or secondary. In primary lymphedema, the cause lies in congenital or genetic abnormalities in how the lymphatic system develops. In secondary lymphedema, the injury or obstruction is acquired, such as the damage that surgery or radiation therapy can leave behind.
In brief
Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive condition: because lymphatic drainage is impaired, protein-rich lymphatic fluid builds up abnormally in the interstitial tissues.
It is low-output lymphatic failure: lymphatic transport capacity falls short even though capillary filtration is normal.
A sink with the faucet running normally and a drain that can't keep up.
It is primary when it stems from congenital or genetic abnormalities of lymphatic development, and secondary when it stems from acquired injury or obstruction, for example after surgery or radiation therapy.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingLymphedema, StatPearls
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated