About
The lymphatic system is a system in the human body that runs alongside the body parts that make up the circulatory system. Blood vessels leak a fluid called lymph; the lymphatic system works to take the lymph and transfer it back into the circulatory system. The lymphatic system is open to cells containing diseases such as cancer cells, but along the lymphatic system are lymph nodes which filter out any unwanted cells. When the lymph nodes fail to function or have been removed the lymphatic system and circulatory system are both left vulnerable to these disease carrying cells; this it’s what’s known as lymphedema. The removal or damage of lymph nodes can be brought on by cancer, cancer treatments, Infection, and/or surgery. Lymphedema is most common in women above the age of 40.
Some symptoms of lymphedema are the following:
• Reduced Mobility- It becomes harder to move a joint or takes more effort.
• Inability to feel- The limb containing lymphedema will become numb to pain.
• “Bursting” pain sensations- A sharp pain shooting through your limb
• Infections
• Rash
• Fever
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Primary lymphedema, although rare, it is still quite dangerous. Primary lymphedema is lymphedema that runs through genetics, it is something that a person can be born with, unlike secondary lymphedema. Secondary lymphedema is caused by, as said before, cancer, cancer treatments, Infection, and/or surgery. Cancer treatments can scar lymph nodes through radiation. Cancer cells block the lymph node cells from performing correctly. Infections such as a parasite can damage your lymph nodes severely. Last, any surgery that involves blood vessels has the chance of resulting in the damage or removal of your lymph …show more content…
• Thickening- The skin will continue to thicken and become heavier.
• Permanent tissue