WHAT IS LYMPHATIC OEDEMA OR LYMPHEDEMA?
It is a type of oedema that can be brought about because the maximal response capacity of the lymphatic system is overcome by a overproduction of liquid in the interstitial space or by insufficiency of the lymphatic tissue, may it be due to organic o functional alterations.
1. Due To Organic Causes
-It is seen in oedema caused by trauma due to an obstruction of lymphatic vessels by fibrin, for instance in cellulite, fibrin networks strangle the lymphatic vessels and also in some types of lymphedema of congenital origin.
In other cases, the obstruction of the lymphatic vessels is accompanied by destruction of the actual vessels. For instance, lymphedema that appears after surgical oncological treatment and after radiotherapy or post-traumatic oedema of the ankle or knee resulting from damaged lymphatic trunks localised in that region. Oedemas caused by certain infections from tropical parasites such as filariasis (a filaria larva obstructs the lymphatic tree).
-Oedema due to an alteration in the formation of collectors, such as familial Meige´s disease, or late-onset oedemas, predominantly in young woman after puberty, can also be classified into this category.
2. Due To Functional Causes
-Dysfunction due to overload, with its most representative example being chronic venous insufficiency.
-Dysfunction due to lymphatic insufficiency, such as in the elderly.