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Illustration of the lymphatic system

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Also called: Lymphatic obstruction

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

  • Infection
  • Cancer
  • Scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgical removal of lymph nodes
  • Inherited conditions in which lymph nodes or vessels are absent or abnormal

Treatment includes physical methods, such as compression stockings, and medicines.

National Cancer Institute

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U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894
National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services 		Date last updated: 21 April 2009
Topic last reviewed: 23 April 2009