RT Book, Section A1 Norton, Steve A2 Kuerer, Henry M. SR Print(0) ID 6406997 T1 Chapter 104. Lymphedema T2 Kuerer's Breast Surgical Oncology YR 2010 FD 2010 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-160178-8 LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=6406997 RD 2024/03/29 AB Lymphedema is caused when protein-rich fluid accumulates in the interstitium due to impaired function of lymphatic tissues. Proteins and other macromolecular wastes with water constitute lymphatic functional loads; these wastes rely upon specially structured absorptive and transport structures in regional anatomy for their return to the central circulation. When lymph stasis prevails, inflammatory processes and fibrosis (lymphostatic fibrosis) trigger changes in tissue density, further entrapping superficial vessels and accelerating the mechanical insufficiency.1