A look at the lymphatic system
I was looking for some information on the lymph system and tried the internet. However, it seems like quite a complex area and I feel even more confused now than before I started. Any chance you could explain it to me without getting too technical?
The lymphatic system is complex but I will try to keep it as simple as possible. It works as the immune systems circulatory network. It is made up of a series of nodes situated strategically throughout the body, connected by an extensive system of lymphatic vessels.
This system transports fluid (lymph) which contains proteins, minerals and other substances needed to nourish the body's tissues. In addition, it also transports micro-organisms, foreign substances, cancer cells and dead or damaged cells, and carries them away from the tissues to the blood stream.
The system is made up of primary and secondary lymphoid organs.
Primary organs include the thymus gland and bone marrow, where specialised white blood cells, designed to engulf and destroy damaged cells, are produced; secondary lymph organs include the spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils and appendix, and small areas throughout the small intestine.
Lymph nodes contain a mesh of tissue through which harmful micro-organisms are filtered.
Lymph nodes tend to be clustered in areas where the lymphatic vessels branch off and are therefore most commonly found in the neck and arm pits, as well as in the groin.
My wife has had surgery for breast cancer and had the lymph nodes from under her right arm removed. She has been told that she may suffer from lymphoedema as a result. What are the symptoms of this condition?
Lymphoedema is the term used to describe the accumulation of lymph, resulting in swelling of the limb. It can be something a person is born with or, more commonly, a condition that results from damage or removal of the lymph nodes in that area. When the nodes are removed as part of treatment for breast cancer, the lymphatic system in that area may be unable to adequately drain lymph from the surrounding tissues. As a result, the arm will be puffy or swollen. Using compression bandages can reduce the swelling.