Sometimes, there can be a fault in someone’s lymphatic system. This can result in diseases such as lymphedema, lymphoma and autoimmune system. When the lymphatic system stops working efficiently, the possibility of getting an infection or a disease increases. In addition, the drainage of excess fluid from the tissue does not work as
Lymphoma is the name given to a cancer that infects the lymphatic system. In a case of lymphoma the lymphatic system has cells that multiply and cannot be stopped. There are two main types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is called
Lungs – Mucus plugging, chronic bacterial infections, pronounced inflammatory response, damaged airways leading to respiratory insufficiency, progressive decline in pulmonary function.
Inflammation of the Kidneys is one of the most serious symptoms of Lupus. When the Kidney are not working properly they leak protein and is eliminated through urination with the lack of protein causes fluid retention and causes swelling or Edema in the lower extremities. This symptom is one of the first signs of lupus nephritis. Lupus affects the kidney functions to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body. A biopsy is used to determine the extent and severity of kidney disease. The tissue gathered is then examined through a microscope to determine inflammation and scarring. Once all the factors are gathered such as amount of protein in the urine, reduction of kidney function, and the Biopsy of the kidney drug therapy may be used to control inflammation and suppress the activity of the immune system. Although high dose of medications may have many side effects when used at high does it is needed to get the inflammation under control and then can be tapered down to a low does with lower side
When evaluating the recent onset of regional lymphadenopathy in a teenager, there are various etiologies that should be explored. Lymphadenopathy is often a benign entity that is self-limiting but can also be the presenting sign of a more serious illness. Our patient had several signs and symptoms that were concerning for both a malignant etiology as well as an infectious cause for his acute, painful lymphadenopathy. Due to the commonality and potentially serious causes of lymphadenopathy, it is important for physicians to be able properly differentiate the more commonly benign causes from the potentially serious illnesses.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. Consequently, all organs and tissues are at risk of being damaged by inflammation. The most affected organs are the kidneys, lungs, heart, and skin (Harvery and Zieve; Simanta, and Mohan). The most affected tissues are the joints, and nervous tissues. The renal system controls blood pressure and blood volume. It also removes waste products and toxins from the blood. SLE causes inflammation of the nephrons, preventing the kidney to properly maintain blood volume and properly filter waste products and toxins (Harvery and Zieve). Kidney inflammation alone will trigger complications throughout the entire body. The lungs are responsible for the gas exchange with the
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a cancer that effects part of the immune system. The lymphatic system is knots of tissue. Lymph nodes work as tiny filters, straining out foreign organisms and cells. The lymphatic system provides important white blood cells called lymphocytes. The body has a reaction to infection that may cause lymph nodes to swell and get tender As Hodgkin’s Lymphoma progresses it makes it more difficult for the body to fight infection. Lymphoma occurs when the lymph node cells begin to multiply uncontrollably; this can lead to producing malignant cells that have the ability to invade other tissues throughout the body. It is common in two different age groups 15-35 and older adults over age 50. It is slightly more common in males, and Caucasians. There has been some progress in treating Hodgkin’s lymphoma, most people with this diagnosis will be long term survivors.
Recently physicians at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford found a potential treatment to Lymphangiomas. Lymphangiomas is the overgrowth of the lymph channels, which can cause airway constriction, and other aspects to the heart and lung function. The lymphatic systems function is to filter out pathogens in the blood. Vessels of the lymphatics are a one-way system allowing fluids to come in but not to flow out. The issue lies in when these lymph vessels swell or begin to back up. In the case of lymphangiomas, these channels swell and get abnormally large. At Stanford, a common drug used for erectile dysfunction called sildenafil has been found to treat symptoms of lymphangiomas. The topic that is now up for debate is that if the use of sildenafil or commonly known Viagra should be used as a treatment for lymphangiomas in children and infants.
of the larynx, trachea, and large bronchi due to infiltration of white blood cells. Swelling produces
Chelsea looks in the mirror and frowns. She cannot get past the huge tree-trunk looking extremity that she is supposed to call her arm. She goes through her normal daily routine of self-care, careful not to scrape herself. Chelsea needs groceries and wants to go to the bank, but she decides to stay indoors. She cannot emotionally bear the weight of people staring at her. Never mind the embarrassment of having to ask someone to help her pick up a gallon of milk because her branch cannot do it for her. Chelsea has a disease called Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a disorder that affects the vessels in the lymphatic system. There are many causes of this limiting illness; fortunately, there are also treatment programs occupational therapists can implement
anemia. The process is called apheresis, which avoids overloading the patient’s body with iron, thus removing damaged cells from circulation. Although this has been
The article: Randomized Trial of Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy for the Treatment of Lymphedema in Women With Breast Cancer is a research article derived from the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The research for this article was to to evaluate the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage as part of a conservative decongestive treatment plan (manual lymphatic drainage, compression, skin care, and exercise) for the treatment of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer compared with a CDT without the use of manual lymphatic drainage.
So what exactly is the relation between cancer and the immune system inasmuch as "immunotherapy" is concerned? The importance of the immune system in fighting cancer has been known for decades and even some of the more advanced techniques in immunotherapy date back to the 1970s. In this article we explore how the immune system and its components can bolster the body 's fight against cancer or to augment radiation and/or chemotherapy. We will also explain both conventional and alternative medicine views of immunotherapy - and explain how to evaluate specialized cancer treatment centers, worldwide, to best suit your needs.
Lymphedema is the swelling of soft tissues as a result of the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the extracellular spaces. Secondary lymphedema is precipitated by an event causing blockage or interruption of the lymphatic vessels. It is a potential complication that may affect quality of life of patients treated for breast cancer. Life-long risk factors of post-breast cancer lymphedema are related to the extent of axillary node involvement, type of breast surgery, and radiation therapy, as these factors decrease lymphatic drainage and increase stasis of fluid in the areas of skin and subcutaneous tissues that drain to those regional lymph nodes. Breast cancer- related lymphedema (BCRL) can involve the arm and hand, as well as the
Infections like cellulitis can cause Lymphoedema which can damage the tissue around the lymphatic system causing it to become scarred. Inflammation can permanently damage the lymphatic system.
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) affects the lungs, kidneys and lymphatic system primarily in women of child bearing age. (Genetics Home Reference Staff) This disease is so rare that statistics do not accurately reflect how many women or persons suffer from LAM. Those that suffer from LAM are offered varied treatments that assist in alleviating symptoms but there is no cure for this lung disease.