The Systems of the Body
The Lymphatic System
Back to the Basics - Our Body
by John Holly, MD
Internal Medicine PhysicianWake Specialty Physicians - Brier Creek Medical Group
July 2010
Overview and Process
Have you ever had a case of “swollen glands”? The discomfort you felt was actually the result of lymph nodes swollen with additional white blood cells to fight a throat infection. The lymphatic system plays an important role in your body’s ability to fight disease. It’s a complex network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts and lymph vessels that produce and deliver a fluid called lymph from your body’s tissues to your bloodstream.
Proteins, fats, red blood cells and a large amount of white blood cells, primarily known as lymphocytes make up lymph, which comes from your intestines after digestion. Lymphocytes are the white blood cells that fight disease-causing bacteria throughout your body.
There are several organs that are key to the lymphatic system. They include your tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus. The thymus is a very specialized organ that produces T lymphocytes, also known as T cells, which are important in boosting the body’s immunity and fighting cancer.
Your body may contain up to 700 lymph nodes. Shaped like a kidney bean, lymph nodes are small, soft nodules located in clusters throughout the body. They can be easier to feel in the armpits (also called axilla), groin, above your collar bone and in your neck. The lymph nodes are the body’s filtration plant, ridding lymph fluid of bacteria and cancer cells so they do not reach the bloodstream. A lymph node will swell when it is battling bacteria (infection) in the lymph by producing additional white blood cells.
Common ProblemsLymphedema — Lymphedema is the swelling that occurs in the legs and/or arms as a result of an impairment of the lymphatic system. When vessels of the lymphatic system become blocked, lymph fluid can build up in the extremities. There are two types of lymphedema: Primary lymphedema is a rare, inherited condition that results from a defect in the lymphatic system; Secondary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged as a result of injury or surgery. It is common in women who have had surgery for breast cancer, particularly those whose treatment includes radiation. It’s estimated that 30 percent of U.S. breast cancer survivors have lymphedema.
Lymphadenopathy — Lymphadenopathy occurs when the lymph nodes increase in size (swell) most often because of an infection nearby. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the neck likely indicate a throat infection. Less commonly, it can indicate that an abundance of cancer cells are present. When lymphadenopathy occurs in several lymph node clusters throughout the body, it can indicate a systemic disease.
Lymphoma — Lymphoma is the name of a group of cancers that can occur when lymphocytes change for no apparent reason and multiply out of control. The lymph nodes then enlarge, and the cancer cells begin to crowd out the healthy cells. This may cause the formation of tumors in different parts of the body.
Keeping it HealthyThere are some basic things you can do to keep your lymphatic system healthy.
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables
- Exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes, five times a week)
- Enjoy massages to keep lymphatic fluid flowing!
If you have questions about your lymphatic system, talk to your doctor. New patients are welcome at Dr. Holly’s office in WakeMed Brier Creek Medical Park, 10208 Cerny Street, Suite 206. To make an appointment, call 919.350.0953.