Your lymph nodes are an important part of the lymphatic system. According to BreastCancer.org, your lymph nodes perform several important functions, including filtering out viruses, bacteria, cancer cells and other substances and removing these...
Several systems in the body are responsible for maintaining fluid balance. These include the circulatory, lymphatic and urinary systems. When there are disturbances in normal functioning of any of these systems, lower extremity edema, which is...
Leg swelling is occurs as a result of trapped fluid in the legs or an immune response that results in inflammation of the leg. Generalizations about the cause of leg swelling can usually be made based on the characteristics of the swelling,...
Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body tissues. When edema is present in the leg and foot, it is referred to as peripheral edema. Peripheral edema causes the tissues to enlarge and results in a visible swelling of the leg and...
Edema, most commonly noticed in the hands, legs, ankles and feet, results when excess fluid becomes trapped in the tissues, causing swelling. Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels known as capillaries leak fluid, which can result from damage to or...
Edema means swelling of the soft tissues. It tends to occur in the feet, ankles and legs or the back in persons who are lying flat for long periods of time. It also most frequently occurs in both legs. The presence of edema in both legs has a...
The University of Maryland Medical Center defines water retention as swelling caused by large amounts of fluid in the circulatory system or the spaces between the cells of the body's tissues. Depending on the cause of water retention, this symptom...
Swelling of the legs and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people. This abnormal build-up of fluid is known as peripheral edema and is more noticeable in the lower extremity due to the effects of gravity, according to Medline...
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), swollen feet and ankles are a widespread problem especially among the elder population. Swollen feet may also be caused by certain medications, obesity and sometimes serious medical conditions....
Leg edema, or swelling, may develop in any part of your lower extremities, such as your thighs, calves and ankles. Leg edema is usually caused by either fluid retention or inflammation associated with damaged tissues. Leg swelling may be caused by...
You can divide the causes of leg swelling into two categories: trapped fluids and inflammation, according to MayoClinic.com. Chronic kidney failure, heart failure and lymphedema are examples of trapped fluids, while bursitis, osteoarthritis and...
Lymphedema, also referred to as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of chronic edema that is due to obstruction or genetic malformation of lymph or blood vessels. Lymphatic vessels can be obstructed due to injury, surgery, infection or...
If you or your baby have a condition that affects fat absorption, then you'll likely be prescribed a special diet or formula. Portagen is one such powdered milk protein supplement often given to people who need a special blend of fat in their...
People tend to gain weight during middle age, and some experience swelling of the ankles, feet and fingers. This leads many to believe that the weight gain is caused by water weight, which may be only partially true. As you age, your lean muscle...
Swelling in the arm after exercise can stem from a variety of causes, some of them less serious than others. Delayed-onset muscle soreness is a common problem after exercise, and can include swelling as a symptom. In some cases, an underlying...
You have about an one in eight chance of developing invasive breast cancer if you're a woman, according to the American Cancer Society. This form of cancer is linked to a genetic mutation in 10 to 15 percent of women, but otherwise the cause is...
Swelling in the legs and feet--sometimes referred to as peripheral edema--is a condition caused by abnormal buildup of fluid in the limbs or inflammation and swelling of tissues or joints. While swelling in the lower extremities can be the result...
Lymphedema is a specific type of swelling that involves the lymphatic system and lymph nodes. Lymphedema in the foot can be reversible, which is curable, or irreversible, which is incurable. Irreversible lymphedema can be treated, but it requires...
Edema is a symptom caused by a variety of dysfunctions or disease processes. It can be a localized or generalized condition in which body tissue or cavities contain an excessive amount of fluid. Peripheral edema is located away from the center...
Swelling can occur anywhere in the body, and this includes the foot, ankle, and legs. In fact, swelling in these locations can be common due to the many different ways swelling can develop. This can be painful and often relates to stress on one of...
Lymphedema is a type of swelling that develops when lymph fluid remains in the skin. This occurs when there is an obstruction to the lymphatic system, such as clots obstructing lymph vessels, or an insult to the system like the removal of lymph...
Malabsorption is the term used to describe an inability to absorb nutrients. This dysfunction can occur at any point in the process of digestion or the transport of nutrients. A variety of different diseases and causes can interfere with...
Bilateral leg edema is swelling of the soft tissues of the legs. The condition can be merely a daily nuisance, or signal a serious underlying condition. A physician should be consulted to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment. It has...
Chylous ascites is a condition in which milk-like fluid high in triglycerides gathers in your abdominal cavity. It is usually caused by damage or obstruction to your lymphatic system. The most common causes include cirrhosis, trauma and infection....
Lymphedema is a medical condition in which a person's lymph nodes, called the lymphatic system, cannot process fluid through the limbs. The lymph fluid builds up in the body and creates swelling in the affected arm or leg. Lymphedema cannot be...
A damaged or obstructed lymphatic system leads to lymph fluid swelling in the skin, otherwise known as lymphedema. Though there is no cure for lymphedema as of 2010, performing proper exercises can help reduce and treat lymphedema in the legs....
The tonsils are lymphatic tissue in the throat that kill bacteria, build immunity and help fight against infections. When the tonsils become the source of infection, they need to be removed surgically. Symptoms of repeated throat infections,...
The breasts undergo cycles of growth and development in response to circulating hormones. Tissues within the breast are designed to facilitate milk production and lactation during and after pregnancy, and help support and shape the structure of...
Many people may consider the typical breast cancer symptom to be a lump in the breast, detected during a breast self-examination, clinical breast exam or mammogram. Although a distinct breast lump can indicate the presence of some forms of breast...