The lymphatic system is made up of lymph vessels, lymph nodes and lymph (a type of fluid that provides nutrients to the cells), according to MedlinePlus. These vessels carry white blood cells (WBCs) that defend the body against infection. Sometimes, infections, cancer and obstruction can occur. Generally, symptoms may include leg swelling, fever and diarrhea.
Lymphatic Filiaris
Lymphatic filiaris is a disease in which parasitic worms infiltrate the lymph system via the bite of a mosquito, states the Centers for Disease Control. Lymphatic filiaris affects 120 million people worldwide.
People who develop lymphatic filiaris usually do not exhibit any symptoms. However, some people may develop swelling of the breasts, legs or genitals because the lymph fluid begins to collect if the worms obstruct the vessels. Also, lymphatic filiaris sufferers are prone to frequent infections. The skin may become thick and hard, called elephantiasis. In some cases, lymphatic filiaris can lead to pulmonary tropical eosinophilia syndrome, a condition characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath and a cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Treatment for lymphatic filiaris includes taking a medication called diethylcarbamazine. This medication will eliminate the parasitic worms.
Mesenteric Lymphadenitis
Mesenteric lymphadenitis refers to a condition of lymph node inflammation that occurs as a result of an intestinal infection, says the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of mesenteric lymphadenitis include stomach pain that is located in the lower right side of the stomach, a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue. This disease typically affects children and adolescents and may be mistaken for appendicitis because it presents similarly to mesenteric lymphadenitis.
Typically, mesenteric lymphadenitis resolves on its own, but over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen can relieve the symptoms. Antibiotic medications may be necessary to treat a bacterial infection.
Castleman Disease
The American Cancer Society says that Castleman disease affects the lymph nodes. There are two main types of Castleman diseases: localized and multicentric.
Localized Castleman disease affects only one set of lymph nodes. Specifically, it affects the lymph nodes of the stomach and chest. Stomach pain or pressure and trouble breathing are just some of its symptoms. Surgically removing the abnormal lymph node glands is the treatment for this form of Castleman disease.
Multicentric Castleman disease affects greater than one region of lymph nodes as well as lymphoid-containing organs such as the spleen. Symptoms of this disease include fevers, weight loss, sweating, night sweats and fatigue. Multicentric Castleman disease can also cause numbness and weakness that results because of nerve damage. Corticosteroid medications, chemotherapy, radiation, immune therapy and surgical intervention are treatments for multicentric Castleman's disease.
