The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is made up mainly of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph. Lymph vessels, which are different from blood vessels, carry fluid called lymph throughout your body.
The lymphatic system collects excess fluid and proteins from body tissues and carries them back to the bloodstream. Edema, or swelling, may happen when there is an increase in the amount of fluid or because of a blockage in the lymphatic system. The accumulation of lymph is called lymphedema.
Causes of lymphedema include
Treatment includes physical methods, such as compression stockings, and medicines.
National Cancer Institute
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References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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Date last updated: 26 July 2008 Topic last reviewed: 06 May 2008 |