Lymphatic Disorders!

Components of the Lymphatic System

Lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatic tissue (tonsils, spleen, thymus).

Functions of the Lymphatic System

Fights infections, maintains fluid balance, and absorbs fats from foods.

Function of Lymphatic Vessels

Carries a clear fluid called lymph throughout the body.

What is Lymph?

Fluid similar to blood plasma containing a higher concentration of lymphocytes.

Functions of Lymph

Returns interstitial fluid to blood, filters unwanted material, and initiates immune responses.

Function of Lymph Nodes

Filter lymph and store immune cells to destroy pathogens.

Lymphatic Drainage: Upper Right Quadrant

Drains into the right lymphatic duct and returns to the right subclavian vein.

Lymphatic Drainage: Rest of Body

Drains into the thoracic duct and returns to the left subclavian vein.

Intestinal Villi Lymphatic Function

Lymphatic capillaries absorb and transport lipids as chylomicrons into the bloodstream.

Diagnostic Tests for Lymphatic Diseases

CBC with differential, lymphangiography, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy.

Common Signs of Lymphatic Disease

Lymph node enlargement, fatigue, fever, weight loss, lymphocytosis, and lymphocytopenia.

Lymphatic Wrapping (Active Phase)

Multi-layer adjustable bandages used during active therapy to reduce edema.

Compression Garments (Maintenance Phase)

Fitted sleeves or stockings providing set compression to prevent edema recurrence.

Lymphedema

Swelling caused by protein-rich fluid accumulation in body tissues.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Swelling in extremities, heaviness, stiffness, skin darkening/thickening, and skin infections.

Lymphedema Clinical Precautions

Avoid heat, tight clothing, and clinical procedures (blood pressure/needles) on affected limb.

Causes of Lymphedema

Tumors, radiation scarring, surgery disrupting lymph flow, and parasitic infections.

Primary vs. Secondary Lymphedema

Primary is inherited and rare; secondary is caused by trauma, surgery, or infection.

Lymphedema Stage 0 (Latent)

Reduced lymph transport capacity without visible clinical edema.

Lymphedema Stage I

Reversible pitting edema that increases with heat and subsides with elevation.

Lymphedema Stage II

Irreversible pitting edema with connective tissue scarring and positive Stemmer sign.

Lymphedema Stage III (Elephantiasis)

Severe non-pitting edema with tissue hardening, skin folds, and hyperkeratosis.

Lymphedema Severity Classification

Mild (

Lymphangitis

Acute bacterial infection causing rapid inflammation of lymphatic vessels.

Symptoms of Lymphangitis

Red streaks extending toward lymph nodes, fever, chills, headache, and cellulitis.

Lymphangitis Treatment

Antibiotics, hot/moist packs, limb elevation, and proper positioning.

Lipedema

Symmetric swelling due to subcutaneous fat deposition in both legs from hips to ankles.

Lipedema Etiology & Treatment

Hormonal/genetic condition in women treated with hormone management and exercise.

Lymphoma

Malignant neoplasms involving lymphocyte proliferation within lymph nodes.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Originates in lymphocytes; presence of Reed-Sternberg cells (marker); starts as a large, painless neck node.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Staging

Stage I (1 node) Stage II ( two or more lymph nodes (same side or localized region), Stage III (nodes on both sides of the diaphragm and spleen) to Stage IV (diffuse involvement of liver, lungs, bones).

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A group of ~60 B/T lymphocytes cell blood cancers resembling leukemia, often with viral etiology.

Secondary Lymphedema Risk Reductions

Protect from scrapes, cuts, and burns. Rest during recovery Avoid heat, elevate arms and legs, Avoid tight clothing Keep clean, including nails, and avoid infection 

***NO Clinical Tests (vitals, needle sticks) 

Treatment of Lymphedema

Antibiotics, raising above-level heart, wearing looser clothing, surgery, CDT, MLD, compression, therapy/garments, exercise, and skin care compression bandages, Compression garments, Pneumatic pumps

PT Lymphangitis

education on positioning of limbs and application of moist heat

PT Lipedema

support for exercise and mental outlook

Etiology of Hodgkin’s

EBV, genetic, environmental, infectious, immune deficiency conditions

Treatment of Hodgkin's

radiation, chemotherapy, medications

Survival Rate of Hodgkin’s

5-year survival rate=85%, most curable CA’s

PT Hodgkin’s

Regular exercise as tolerable, stretching, light activities, E-conservation, Borg Scale

Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma S&S

large and painless lymph nodes

Tx Non Hodgkin’s

radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell replacement

PT Non Hodgkin’s

based on impairments and functional limitations