What is the lymph system and what does it do?
The lymphatic system removes fluids from around cells and filters unwanted particles, including bacteria and foreign debris. Lymph, a colorless fluid, passes through nodes, or one-way valves located in many areas of the body, including the underarm. These nodes are pea to bean-size. As many as 1,500 lymph nodes function as a network of channels that carry the lymphatic fluid. As the fluid passes through the nodes, harmful bacteria and viruses are purified. The diagram at the end of this brochure, used by permission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, shows the vastness of the lymph system. As part of my surgery, lymph nodes were removed. How is this related to the swelling that I might get in my arm? As part of the standard surgical procedure, lymph nodes are removed and inspected under a microscope to determine whether the node contains cancer cells. This very important staging process identifies the extent to which the cancer has progressed and assists the oncologist in determining t
