Lymphatic Disease

Abstract

Often regarded as the forgotten second circulatory system, the lymphatic system is critical in working with the venous and arterial system to maintain fluid equilibrium, circulate cells and signaling molecules in the immune system, and transport fat molecules and nutrients. When there is an alteration in the flow of lymphatic fluid, lymphedema is the result, usually manifesting as significant swelling of a particular region of the body with protein-rich fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces. The result of this disease ranges from psychological disturbance to significant disability and morbidity, even leading to aggressive malignancy. The prevalence of lymphedema is in the hundreds of millions worldwide; however, it is routinely under-diagnosed and under-recognized as a disease, especially in the United States. Treatment rates for lymphedema are variable, ranging from low rates of treatment in non-cancer etiologies, to high treatment rates seen in breast cancer related etiologies. Furthermore, treatment modalities are equally notorious for being unsuccessful, either as a result of non-compliance or lack of efficacious therapeutic techniques, or a combination of both. There is no cure for lymphedema and treatment mainly focuses on minimizing limb swelling, maintaining functionality, and preventative treatments to reduce complications.