Exam 19 - Disorders Associated with Lymph System

Lymphangitis

• Inflammation of lymphatic vessels, typically caused by bacterial infections (streptococcal or staphylococcal) in an extremity.
• Characterized by fine red streaks extending from the infected area toward the groin or axilla.
• Edema is usually diffuse, not localized.
• Accompanying symptoms may include chills, fever, local pain, headache, and myalgia.
• Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) might be present.
• Septicemia (blood poisoning) can occur.
• Diagnosis involves visual inspection and palpation.
• Medical management focuses on administering antimicrobial drugs (oral or intravenous) to control the infection, alongside anti-inflammatory medications and application of moist heat.
• Nursing interventions include keeping the affected area clean, encouraging rest, and elevating the extremity to ease pressure.

Lymphedema

• A disorder characterized by fluid accumulation (edema) in soft tissues due to lymphatic system dysfunction.
• Causes include lymphatic obstruction, increased lymph production, removal of lymph channels/nodes, and inherited factors.
• Clinical features include massive edema, tightness, pressure, and pain in affected extremities that extend towards the trunk.
• Conditions that worsen lymphedema include standing, increased pressure, obesity, and warm, humid environments.
• Diagnosis involves visual assessment and potentially additional tests

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• A malignant disorder characterized by painless, progressive enlargement of lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue.
• More common in males than females.
• Characterized by the presence of abnormal Reed-Sternberg cells.
• Manifestations include painless swelling of cervical, axillary, or inguinal lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and pruritus (itching).
• Pain might occur in the lymph nodes after alcohol ingestion.
• May involve anemia and leukocytosis related to respiratory infections.
• Diagnosis involves physical assessment, blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), and biopsies.
• Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)

• A group of malignant lymphomas originating from B-cells or T-cells.
• Accounts for about 85% of cases in NHLs are B-cell lymphomas.
• Symptoms can include localized painless lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and susceptibility to infection.
• Areas affected include cervical, axillary, or inguinal areas.
• Risk factors can include Epstein-Barr Virus, weakened immune systems, exposure to pesticides, previous viral infections, and a history of some forms of cancer.
• Diagnosis involves biopsies, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), and lab tests.
• Treatment involves various therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.