Pathologic Function
lymphedema
[ lim-fi-dee-muh ]
Subclass of:
Lymphatic Diseases
Etymology:
Latin lympha = water + Greek oidema = swelling
Also called:
Lymphatic obstruction
Definitions related to lymphedema:
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A condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling. It may occur in an arm or leg if lymph vessels are blocked, damaged, or removed by surgery.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Blockage in or damage to the lymphatic systems, causing lymphatic fluid to build up in tissues, making them swell.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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Edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Excess fluid collection in tissues, causing swelling. It is the result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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Lymphedema is the name of a type of swelling. It happens when lymph builds up in your body's soft tissues. Lymph is a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It usually happens in the arms or legs. Causes of lymphedema include Infection; Cancer; Scar tissue from radiation therapy or surgical removal of lymph nodes; Inherited conditions in which lymph nodes or vessels are absent or abnormal. Treatment can help control symptoms. It includes exercise, compression devices, skin care, and massage. NIH: National Cancer InstituteMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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A disorder characterized by excessive fluid collection in tissues that causes swelling.Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsU.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
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Lymphedema is edema of a limb due to lymphatic hypoplasia (primary) or to obstruction or disruption (secondary) of lymphatic vessels. Symptoms and signs are brawny, fibrous, nonpitting edema in one or more limbs. Diagnosis is by physical examination. Treatment consists of exercise, pressure gradient dressings, massage, and sometimes...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Normal lymphatic physiology The normal function of the lymphatics is to return proteins, lipids, and water from the interstitium to the intravascular space; 40-50% of serum proteins are transported by this route each day. High hydrostatic pressures in arterial capillaries force proteinaceous fluid into the interstitium, resulting in...WebMD, 2019
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Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Sometimes both arms or both legs swell.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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The progressive swelling of a body part, usually an extremity, following developmental (primary lymphedema) or acquired (secondary lymphedema) disruption of the lymphatic system resulting in lymph (a protein-rich fluid) accumulating in the interstitial space. The extremities are most commonly involved, followed by the genitalia.Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
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Lymphedema, an abnormal condition in which poor function of the lymphatic system allows fluid to build up in the tissues. Lymphedema is traditionally classified into two forms: primary, which is genetic, and secondary, which arises from an outside cause. However, each of those forms can have...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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