What Causes the Swelling in Primary Lymphoedema?
The lymphatic system varies a little in everyone: the number and size of lymph nodes, the number, exact location and specific direction of lymph vessels, and so on. When these variations become more extreme, a person can be at risk for lymphoedema. Some of the problems found in primary lymphoedema (whether hereditary or not) are as follows: 1. Too few initial lymphatics. The initial lymphatics are the start of the lymphatic system. They are tiny finger like projections in the dermis. They have flap-like valves that open and close to allow tissue fluid, proteins, and other large molecules, cells, germs, and debris to enter. The initial lymphatics are arranged in a mesh in the skin all over the body. They lead to a network of pre-collectors which connect the initial lymphatics to the collecting vessels (collectors). When there are too few initial lymphatics in a particular area of the body, the tissue fluid and its components, including protein, is not able to enter the lymphatic system.
