Lymphatic Obstruction
What Is It?
Lymph nodes are small immune system organs that help drain fluids and facilitate the movement of immune cells throughout the body. Lymph nodes are spread throughout the body and filter foreign particles that cause infections.
These lymph nodes can become swollen and inflamed, especially if you have an infection or certain types of cancers. In some situations, a doctor will need to take a biopsy to analyze the lymph node and to understand what is causing the swelling. In many situations, the lymph nodes swell when there are problems related to circulation and fluid storage.
Normal lymph nodes are shaped like small beans. Lymphatic obstruction, also known as lymphedema, is a condition that results when the lymph nodes become large as a result of swelling or fluid retention. A variety of causes including cancer, viruses, and bacterial infections can cause the lymph nodes to swell.
Lymphedema can be mild, moderate, or severe and may require a biopsy for accurate diagnosis and treatment. There are a variety of lymphedema treatments available to help alleviate symptoms and cure the condition.
Types
Lymphedema can affect any lymph node in the lymphatic system. The types of lymphedema are related to the specific causes, which can include cancer, cancer treatments, infections, or injury. Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis can also cause the lymph nodes to become enlarged. It is important to note that lymphedema and edema are not the same condition. Lymphedema refers to a problem with the lymph nodes, and edema results when the veins have problems circulating oxygen through the heart.
Elephantiasis is a disease that is a type of lymphatic obstruction. The condition causes the skin and surrounding tissues to thicken in a particular part of the body. Eventually, the swollen area can become extremely large. Elephantiasis may result from a parasitic infection or from some other cause. Swollen areas may resemble very large tumors.
Symptoms & Warning Signs
People with lymphedema will experience persistent swelling in the affected area, which could be anywhere on the body including the arm, neck, or leg. People might also experience some drainage in the swollen area. Exhaustion and discolored skin could also occur. If the swelling becomes excessively large, the lymphedema patient may experience a permanent physical deformity.
Causes & Risk Factors
A variety of conditions can cause a lymph node to become swollen. Lymphedema has both genetic and environmental causes. People might develop lymphedema if they have cancer or if they are undergoing cancer treatment since radiation and chemotherapy can damage the immune system. Surgery and injury can also cause the lymph nodes to become swollen. Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis are two conditions that can cause lymphatic obstruction. Some people are born with swollen lymph nodes and show no symptoms for several years. Some causes are unknown.
Prevention & Treatment
If an infection is causing the lymph node to swell, a doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. If no infection is present, a physician will use techniques to improve circulation. Compression treatments may be used in the form of socks, bandages, and pumps. There are a variety of compression methods, and a doctor will select one based on your specific condition.
A doctor might also choose to drain the swollen lymph node if permanent injury is not a possibility. Usually, drainage techniques involve massage therapy to help facilitate fluid movement.
Lymphedema treatment may also involve physical therapy to improve movement and flexibility. For some patients, exercising can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to work with a medical professional.
There are several procedures available to help prevent lymphedema from developing after surgery, especially after surgeries for certain tumors and breast cancer. The effectiveness of these procedures is under dispute.
Tests & Diagnosis
Doctors frequently discover enlarged lymph nodes as part of a routine physical exam. Doctors who suspect enlarged lymph nodes may order CT or MRI scans. A biopsy may be necessary if cancer is a possibility.
