Lipodoema - What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is a chronic inflammatory clinical picture which affects not only the extremities, but may also involve the face, neck, torso and the genitals . The oedema is due to an obstruction of the lymph. This obstruction is an accumulation of lymph in the tissues of the limbs, which leads to lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema results of fluid accumulation, and may arise from surgery, radiation or the presence of a tumour in the area of lymph nodes.

How does it work?

Fluid from the body's tissues usually drains into lymphatic vessels, which are close to blood vessels, this fluid is called lymph.

The lymph vessels carry the lymph fluid to lymph nodes where harmful substances such as bacteria and waste products are filtered out and destroyed. Most people are familiar with the expression 'I am not feeling well, my glands are up!' This statement purely expresses the fact, that, the lymph nodes are raised and are dealing with the filtration of the harmful substances. This filter function helps to protect the body from infection. The lymph then passes back into the main blood vessels.