Treating Cardiovascular Diseases in Wisconsin and Northern
Illinois Lymphedema is the abnormal buildup of fluid, usually in
the arms or legs, which can occur when lymph nodes are removed
or lymph vessels are damaged, impaired or missing. When these
pathways that return the lymph into the body’s circulation are
disrupted, lymph cannot drain properly. This causes it to
accumulate, resulting in swelling. The most common lymphedema
symptoms are swelling in the arms, legs, hands, fingers,
shoulders or chest. The swelling usually follows a trauma, such
as a bruise, cut, sports injury or sunburn. It can also occur
after an infection or cancer treatment. Your lymphatic system
helps protect your body against disease and foreign substances.
This system includes your lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph
fluid, as well as lymphoid organs, such as the thymus and
spleen, and lymphoid tissue, such as the tonsils and Peyer’s
patch, located in the small intestine. Your lymph vessels extend
throughout your body, much like bloo