The Lymphatic System in Thoracic Oncology: An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes that helps to drain fluid and waste products from the tissues and organs of the body. It is also an important part of the immune system, as it helps to filter out bacteria and other harmful substances from the bloodstream.

The Lymphatic System in Thoracic Oncology, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery Book 22)

by Justin L. Lockman

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Language	:	English
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In thoracic oncology, the lymphatic system is of particular interest because it can be affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly. Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system to other parts of the body, and it can also block the lymphatic vessels, leading to swelling and other problems.

The lymphatic system is divided into two main parts: the lymphatic vessels and the lymph nodes. The lymphatic vessels are thin, tube-like structures that run throughout the body. They collect fluid and waste products from the tissues and organs and transport them to the lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are located throughout the body. They contain immune cells that help to filter out bacteria and other harmful substances from the bloodstream. The lymph nodes also store immune cells that can be released into the bloodstream to fight infection.

Cancer can affect the lymphatic system in a number of ways. Cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic vessels to other parts of the body. This is called lymphatic metastasis. Cancer can also block the lymphatic vessels, leading to swelling and other problems. This is called lymphedema.

The treatment of cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system depends on the type of cancer and the extent of the spread. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system. Surgery can be used to remove the cancerous tissue and to clear the lymphatic vessels. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also be used to treat cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system. These treatments can help to shrink the cancerous tissue and to kill cancer cells.

Immunotherapy is a newer treatment option for cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system. Immunotherapy drugs help to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. This can help to shrink the cancerous tissue and to kill cancer cells.

The lymphatic system is an important part of the body's immune system. Cancer can affect the lymphatic system in a number of ways, and this can lead to a variety of problems. The treatment of cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system depends on the type of cancer and the extent of the spread.

References

• The Lymphatic System in Thoracic Oncology: An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics. Edited by John D. Hainsworth, MD. Elsevier, 2018.
• National Cancer Institute. Lymphatic System and Cancer. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/anatomy-physiology/lymphatic-system-and-cancer
• American Cancer Society. Lymphatic System and Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/lymphatic-system-and-cancer.html

The Lymphatic System in Thoracic Oncology, An Issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics (The Clinics: Surgery Book 22)

by Justin L. Lockman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2208 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1 pages

FREE