Lymphoedema

: Lymphoedema (lymphedema) occurs when the lymphatic system does not work properly. This results in the long-term swelling of part or parts of the body.

The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is similar to the blood system and has just as many vessels - but they contain lymph, which is clear and so cannot be seen . The lymphatics differ from the blood system in that the blood continually circulates through each part of the body while the lymph just drains from each part.

Lymphatics drain away the excess protein and water which continually escape from the blood in small amounts, plus some substances made in the tissues, and any foreign substances which enter them. Lymphatics start, in almost every tissue, as many tiny vessels which gradually join together into bigger ones.

Lymph is pumped into and along these vessels by the movements of adjacent muscles and by the contractions of the walls of the larger lymphatics. This pumping is aided by many valves inside the vessels. Finally the lymphatic system empties into the blood (largely in the lower neck).

On its way along the lymphatics, the lymph is filtered in the lymph nodes (lymph glands). These remove foreign matter (e.g. bacteria) and start any necessary immune reactions.

Oedema (Edema)

The lymphatics help to remove the excess fluid and protein which enters the tissues from damaged blood vessels, in any inflammation (e.g. after a burn, or other injury). If they cannot