1. Lymphatic System Diseases and Disorders
Chapter 10
Lymphatic System Diseases and Disorders 1

2. Anatomy and Physiology
Lymph vessels, ducts, and nodes
Protects body from infection by filtering bacterial and nonbacterial products
Prevents waste products from entering circulatory system
Dependent on vascular system
Lymph is clear fluid 2

3. Lymph and Blood Vessels3

4. Anatomy and Physiology
Two divisions of lymph system:
Right lymphatic duct drains lymph from head, upper torso, and right arm
Left lymphatic duct
Also known as thoracic duct
Rest of body drains through this duct
Organs related to lymph system:
Tonsils, thymus gland, and spleen 4

5. Common Signs and Symptoms
Enlarged lymph glands or nodes, fever, fatigue, and weight loss
Most diseases of lymphatic system related to diseases of other systems
Lymphocytosis
Increased WBCs
Lymphocytopenia
Decreased WBCs 5

6. Diagnostic Tests Complete blood count (CBC) with differential
Lymphangiography
X-ray of lymph system after dye injection
MRI
CT scan
Biopsy of lymph nodes 6

7. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Lymphadenitis
Inflammation of lymph glands
Symptoms:
Swelling, pain, tenderness in the lymph gland, node, or both
Diagnosis
Confirmed by biopsy 7

8. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Lymphangitis
Swelling of lymph vessels due to inflammation caused by strep infections following trauma
Characterized by red streak at bacterial entry extending to area of lymph node
Other symptoms:
Fever
Chills
Malaise
Cellulitis 8

9. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Lymphangitis
Treatment:
Antibiotics
Warm, moist packs
Elevation of affected area 9

10. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Lymphedema
Abnormal collection of lymph fluid in extremities
Possible causes:
Surgery or radiation treatments
Pregnancy
Burns
Trauma 10

11. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Lymphedema
Treatment:
Antibiotics
Compression therapy
Surgical intervention depending on cause 11

12. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Lymphoma
Neoplasms affecting lymphoid tissue
Affects normal lymphocyte production leading to impaired immunity
Most common type of blood cancer in United States 12

13. Common Diseases of the Lymphatic System
Mononucleosis
Viral infection
Somewhat contagious
Also known as kissing disease 13

14. Rare Diseases Kawasaki disease
Also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome
Acute febrile disease that is found mostly in children
Symptoms:
Rash similar to scarlet fever
Edema of feet and hands
Lethargy
Congestion
Supportive treatment 14

15. Effects of Aging Decreased ability to produce antibodies
Thus, more prone to infections
Increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders
Impairment of vascular system also impacts function 15