What is upper extremity lymphedema (ULE)?
ULE involves swelling, pain and infection in the arms, hands, fingers, shoulders or chest brought on by damage to, or removal of, lymph nodes in the upper part of the body. ULE often can make everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or exercising, painful and diminishes a patient’s quality of life. The immune system includes a network of lymph nodes, olive-sized organs that filter a colorless fluid called lymph or lymphatic fluid. Lymph nodes remove materials that might be harmful, such as bacteria, before the lymphatic fluid enters the bloodstream. Normally, the amount of fluid flowing into an extremity is the same as the amount coming out, but in lymphedema this system gets backed up. When the lymph nodes are damaged or removed, lymphatic fluid may build up, causing swelling and other problems. Lymphatic fluid contains a high level of protein, which helps infections grow.
