This document discusses the differences between edema and lymphedema. Edema results from an imbalance in fluid pressures across capillary membranes that causes excess fluid accumulation in tissues. It is a normal response to injury and the fluid decreases as healing occurs. Lymphedema is a persistent and excessive accumulation of fluid and proteins in tissues caused by impairment of the lymphatic system. It leaves marks when pressed into the skin and is not relieved by diuretics like edema sometimes is. Factors that can contribute to lymphedema include congenital malformations, infections, obstructions, fibrosis, trauma, surgery, radiation therapy, and surgical dissection of lymph nodes.

1. Edema vs Lymphedema

3. Fluid Balance
 Fluid moves freely b/t interstitial & intravascular spaces to
maintain homeostasis
 4 types of pressure control fluid shifts across the capillary
membrane
 Capillary hydrostatic pressure( the internal fluid pressure on
the capillary membrane)
 Interstitial pressure (external fluid pressure on the capillary
membrane
 Osmotic pressure-(fluid attracting pressure from protein
concentration within the capillary

4. Fluid Balance
 Interstitial osmotic pressure (the fluid attracting
pressure from protein concentration outside the
capillary
 Normally capillary hydrostatic pressure is >than plasma
osmotic pressure at the capillary’s arterial end forcing
fluid out of the capillary.
 Capillary end the reverse is true(plasma osmotic
pressure is >)
 Edema results when balance is impeded with
increased capillary permeability, lymphatic
obstruction, increased capillary hydrostatic
pressure, decreased plasma osmotic or interstitial fluid
pressure

8. Pitting edema

9. Lymphatic Disorders

11. Lymphedema
 Excessive and persistent accumulation of extravascular
and extracellular fluid and proteins in tissue spaces
 Caused by a disturbance of the water and protein
balance across the capillary membrane
 Increased concentration of proteins draws greater
amount of water into interstitial spaces
 Exceeds transport capacity of the lymphatic system,
leading to lymphedema

12. Contributing factors for
Lymphedema
 Congenital Malformation
 Infection and Inflammation
 Obstruction or Fibrosis
Trauma, Surgery, Neoplasms
Radiation Therapy
 Surgical Dissection of Lymph Nodes
 Chronic Venous Insufficiency

13. Edema vs Lymphedema
 Normal response to inury. As
healing occurs fluid
decreases
 Excess tissue fluid not yet
returned to circulatory syst.
 Caused by circulatory
system problems such as
chronic venous insuffiency,
 Does not leave a mark when
press (nonpitting)
 Can be relieved by diuretics
in some cases
 Lymphatic system is
impaired
 Excess lymph trapped in
tissue
 Body responds with slow
healing and at risk for
infections
 Leaves a mark
 Harmed by diuretics

18. Module 1: Lymphatic System and Lymphedema
Link: http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=lymphedema
Password: Advance
Watch the training module (10 minutes)
Test Your Knowledge
Print Your Certificate
􀀀 Module 2: Types of Lymphedema & How it is Diagnosed
Link: http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=lymphedema-
chaper-2
Password: Advance
Watch the training module (7 minutes)
Test Your Knowledge
Print Your Certificate

19. References
 Clip art Bing.com, personal file or Mayo clip art
• Lymphedema certification Continuing Education
(Lerner-Vodder)
 Training Module