Lymphatic Diseases

Summary

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs. It is made up of:

• Lymph – a fluid that contains white blood cells that defend against germs
• Lymph vessels – vessels that carry lymph throughout your body. They are different from blood vessels.
• Lymph nodes – glands found throughout the lymph vessels. Along with your spleen, these nodes are where white blood cells fight infection.

Your bone marrow and thymus produce the cells in lymph. They are part of the system, too.

The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps your body fluids in balance. If it’s not working properly, fluid builds in your tissues and causes swelling, called lymphedema. Other lymphatic system problems can include infections, blockage, and cancer.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Encyclopedia

• Armpit lump Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymph nodes Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymphangiogram Medical Encyclopedia
• Neck dissection Medical Encyclopedia
• T-cell count Medical Encyclopedia

Specifics

• Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
• Castleman Disease Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Lymphatic Filariasis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Mesenteric Lymphadenitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• What Is LAM (Lymphangioleiomyomatosis)? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Genetics

• Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• Histiocytosis-lymphadenopathy plus syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine
• Milroy disease: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Patient Handouts

• Cancer and lymph nodes Medical Encyclopedia
• Cystic hygroma Medical Encyclopedia
• Groin lump Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymph node biopsy Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymph system Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymphadenitis Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymphangitis Medical Encyclopedia
• Lymphofollicular hyperplasia Medical Encyclopedia
• Neck lump Medical Encyclopedia
• Swollen lymph nodes Medical Encyclopedia

Children

• Chylous Ascites (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
• Lymphatic Malformations (For Parents) Nemours Foundation

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Lymph Nodes National Institutes of Health
• ClinicalTrials.gov: Lymphatic Diseases National Institutes of Health

Treatments and Therapies

• Drugs Approved for Multicentric Castleman Disease National Cancer Institute

Reference Desk

• Introduction to the Lymphatic System National Cancer Institute

Images

• Lymph Nodes National Cancer Institute

Start Here

• Lymphatic System (For Parents) Nemours Foundation
• Overview of the Lymphatic System Merck & Co., Inc.

Diagnosis and Tests

• Lymphoscintigraphy Radiological Society of North America

Find an Expert

• National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Journal Articles

• Lymphatic Diseases

Related Issues

• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy National Cancer Institute

Teenagers

• Spleen and Lymphatic System Nemours Foundation