Lymphocele is any accumulation of lymph in a region of the body, the most common cause of which is the removal or injury of vessels that carry this fluid, after a stroke or abdominal, pelvic, thoracic, cervical or inguinal surgery, for example. example. Lymph fluid leakage accumulates in the tissues near the affected region, which can cause inflammation, infection or the formation of a cyst at the site.
The lymphatic system is a set of lymphoid organs and vessels that are distributed throughout the body, with the function of draining and filtering excess liquid from the body, directing it to the bloodstream, in addition to acting on the immune system to the defense of the organism. Find out what the lymphatic system is and how it works.
Generally, the lymphatic fluid of the lymphocele is reabsorbed naturally by the body, and no treatment is necessary. However, in some cases, when there is a large accumulation of fluid or when it causes symptoms, such as pain, infection or compression of blood vessels, it is necessary to perform procedures to drain the fluid through a catheter and, in some cases, it may be necessary. sclerotherapy is necessary.
Main causes
The lymphocele arises whenever the lymph that leaks out of the lymphatic vessels, and may be contained in the surrounding tissues, may lead to the development of an inflammation and a capsule, leading to the formation of a cyst. This complication is more common in situations such as:
1. Surgery
Any surgery can cause a lymphocele, especially those in which blood vessels are manipulated or in which lymph nodes are removed, and can appear between about 2 weeks to 6 months after the surgical procedure. Some of the surgeries most associated with this type of complication are:
- Abdominal or pelvic, such as hysterectomy, intestinal surgery, kidney surgery or kidney transplantation; Thoracic, such as lungs, aorta, breast or armpit region, for example; Cervical, as thyroid; Blood vessels, as removal of obstruction or correction of some defect, such as the aneurysm.
After abdominal surgery, it is common for the lymphocele to be retained in the retroperitoneal space, which is the most posterior region of the abdominal cavity. In addition, cancer surgeries performed to remove or treat cancer are important causes of lymphocele, as it is common that there is a need to remove lymphatic tissues during the procedure.
2. Injuries
Injuries or traumas that cause the rupture of blood or lymph vessels can cause lymphocele, which can occur in blows or accidents, for example.
Lymphocele can also appear in the genital region, in the form of a hard grain, after intimate contact or masturbation, and can appear as a lump on the large lips or on the penis, hours to days after the act. If it is small, treatment may not be necessary, but if it is large, surgery may be necessary.
Find out more about these and other causes of penis lump.
3. Cancer
The development of a tumor or cancer can cause damage to blood or lymph vessels, stimulating the lymph to leak to nearby regions.
Symptoms that may arise
When small and uncomplicated, lymphocele does not usually cause symptoms. However, if it increases in volume, and depending on its location and if it causes compression of nearby structures, it can cause symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain; Frequent desire or difficulty urinating; Constipation; Swelling in the genital or lower limbs; Hypertension; Venous thrombosis; Palpable nodule in the abdomen or in the affected region.
When lymphocele causes obstruction of the urinary tract, such as ureters, it is possible to impair kidney function, which can become severe.
To confirm the presence of lymphocele, the doctor may order tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography or biochemical analysis of the liquid.
How the treatment is done
When the lymphocele is small, it is usually reabsorbed in about 1 week, being only followed by the doctor with exams, such as ultrasound.
However, when they do not regress, increase in size or cause complications such as inflammation, infection, urinary symptoms or increased lymphatic pressure, it is necessary to perform a procedure, which can be a puncture to drain the fluid or surgery to remove the cyst.
The use of antibiotics may be indicated by the doctor when infection is suspected.
