What Causes Lymphatic Dysfunction?

Most people pay little attention to their lymphatic system, but this collection of organs, tissues, and vessels plays a vital role in keeping you healthy. Lymphatic dysfunction can cause various problems, but knowing the top causes of this condition empowers you to take action and avoid this complex problem. 

Residents of McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, have access to John Hovorka, MD, Cynthia Salinas, MD, and an expert team of vascular specialists at Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC. If you need treatment for lymphatic dysfunction, we’re here to help. 

What does the lymphatic system do?

Your lymphatic system is an undersung hero of your immune system. It produces special white blood cells called lymphocytes that seek out and destroy potentially harmful bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses that make their way into your body.  

Your lymphatic system also works to destroy and eliminate old and abnormal cells. It’s kind of like your own personal waste filtration system, working behind the scenes to keep all your other body systems running as cleanly as possible. 

Your lymphatic system helps regulate the balance of fluids within your body by gathering excess fluids from your tissues and moving them back into your bloodstream, where they can be redistributed as needed. It even collects fats from your intestines and moves them into your bloodstream, helping them travel to where they’re needed. 

What is lymphatic dysfunction?

In order for your lymphatic system to work properly, lymphatic fluid must be continually flowing through your lymph vessels. Lymphatic dysfunction develops when there’s too much — or too little — lymphatic fluid moving through the vessels. 

This can cause problems in all of the areas outlined above. Your immune function can suffer, and you can develop a buildup of cell debris within your body. Lymphedema is a common sign of lymphatic dysfunction, and involves swelling in your arms, legs, fingers, and toes. 

Many things can cause or worsen lymphatic dysfunction

Some people have a genetic predisposition to lymphatic dysfunction. If you have a close family member who experienced lymphedema, your own risk is higher, too. 

Hereditary lymphedema

Meige disease is one type of hereditary lymphedema, and is caused by a specific genetic mutation. Milroy disease is another form of hereditary lymphedema. This condition causes structural problems with your lymph structures during the developmental stages. 

Secondary lymphedema

However, genetic causes of lymphatic dysfunction are far less common than secondary lymphedema, which occurs due to a contributing factor. 

One of the most common causes of secondary lymphedema is a mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of breast tissue and a common treatment for advanced breast cancers. As your surgeon removes breast tissue, some of your lymph nodes might also be removed. 

Cancers and radiation therapy can also cause serious problems with your lymphatic system. However, when radiation offers the chance to slow the progression of cancer, damage to your lymphatic function might be a worthwhile side effect. 

The good news? Lymphatic dysfunction is treatable

If you develop lymphatic dysfunction, there are a number of treatments that can help. Specific exercises can help move excess fluid from your limbs, and wearing compression garments can help encourage lymph fluids to move back into the trunk of your body. 

A special type of massage called lymphatic drainage is beneficial for many people. This hands-on technique uses long strokes and very light pressure to manually move fluid away from swollen areas of the body. 

In some cases, surgery is the best way to treat lymphatic dysfunction. Surgical intervention can help create new pathways for lymph fluid to flow. Some people achieve impressive results through lymph node transplants, which move lymph nodes from one area of your body to another. 

If lymphedema has caused some of your tissue to harden or become overly fibrous, removing some of this abnormal tissue can help with discomfort. These procedures can be done using a scalpel or through a form of liposuction. 

When you’re ready to look into these and other treatments for lymphatic dysfunction, schedule a visit at your nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office today. With locations in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, diagnostic and treatment services are never far away.