What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acquired Lymphangiectases
• Secondary Lymphangiectasia

What is Acquired Lymphangiectasia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Lymphangiectasia is referred to as an abnormal dilatation of the lymphatic vessels. The condition may be congenital or acquired
• Acquired Lymphangiectasia may take place secondary to cancer therapy or injury to the lymphatic vessels. The condition can affect any part of the body. It is usually localized to certain parts of the body. Generally, skin involvement is common
• There can be diffuse swelling. Sometimes, the dilated lymphatics appear as fluid-filled vesicles at the skin surface. These are more durable than blisters caused by friction or disease, but they can rupture. This leads to release of the clear or milky lymphatic fluid, which may contribute to secondary bacterial infections
• The signs and symptoms and complications of Acquired Lymphangiectasia depend upon a variety of factors, including on whether it is localized or diffuse. It is easier to treat the localized type than the generalized type of lymphangiectasia
• The treatment of the condition may involve surgery, laser therapy, and cryotherapy for the skin lesions, to symptomatic and systemic treatment depending on the sites involved. The prognosis of Acquired Lymphangiectasia is based on several factors and is normally evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Who gets Acquired Lymphangiectasia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Acquired Lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder that may be seen in a wide age category of children and adults
• Both males and females are affected and no gender preference is generally observed
• All racial and ethnic groups may be affected and no predilection is seen

What are the Risk Factors for Acquired Lymphangiectasia? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Acquired Lymphangiectasia may include the following:

• Certain cancers that affects the lymph nodes
• Cancer therapy including lymph node dissection or removal
• Injury to the lymphatic vessels resulting in drainage obstruction

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Acquired Lymphangiectasia? (Etiology)

• Lymphangiectasia is a disorder wherein the lymphatic vessels are enlarged or dilated
• Secondary Lymphangiectasia, also known as Acquired Lymphangiectasia, may occur due to injury or blockage of the lymphatic vessels from various medical reasons (cancers, certain heart conditions, etc.)
• Radiation treatment to a region with many lymph nodes can also result in Acquired Lymphangiectasia

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Acquired Lymphangiectasia?

The signs and symptoms of Acquired Lymphangiectasia depend upon whether it is diffuse or localized, and location of the condition. It may be varied and may include the following:

• The presence of skin lesions that may be fluid-filled or bright red in appearance
• When subjected to minor trauma, the tiny skin papules tend to bleed or ooze a clear or milky fluid; the skin condition can be painful
• Thickening of skin due to lymph accumulation
• The surgical sites (usually of lymph node removal) may be affected by Lymphangiectasia, which may include the arms or armpits and legs or groin region. Lymphangiectasia can occur in the region where cancer is present

How is Acquired Lymphangiectasia Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Acquired Lymphangiectasia may involve the following tests and exams:

• A thorough physical exam with evaluation of complete family medical history
• Blood tests
• Radiological imaging studies of the affected region to study the dilated lymphatic vessels
• Angiographic studies such as lymphangiograms of the affected regions
• Tissue biopsy of the affected region: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Acquired Lymphangiectasia?

The complications due to Acquired Lymphangiectasia depend upon the location of the condition, the organs involved, and if the condition is specific to a location, or is widespread in the region/body. The following complications may be observed:

• Cosmetic concerns and emotional stress
• Permanent scarring in some cases
• Bacterial infection resulting in cellulitis
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication

How is Acquired Lymphangiectasia Treated?

The treatment of Acquired Lymphangiectasia depends upon a variety of factors that include the following:

• The underlying cause of the condition
• The location of lymphangiectasia; sites of involvement
• Severity of the signs and symptoms
• Age of the individual (child or adult)

The following treatment measures may be considered for Acquired Lymphangiectasia:

• Surgical removal of the dilated lymphatic vessels for localized lymphangiectasia
• Sclerotherapy to inject medications into the tumor may cause them to scar shut. If this is successful, then surgery can be avoided. Repeat sclerotherapy sessions may be needed
• Laser surgical excision
• Cryotherapy, where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin lesion. This results in an inflammatory reaction that can scar the lymphatics shut
• Treatment of superimposed infections
• Symptomatic treatment depending on the region/organ that is affected
• In case of generalized lymphangiectasia, the treatment is difficult

Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important, to watch-out for any relapses.

How can Acquired Lymphangiectasia be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Acquired Lymphangiectasia. In some cases, the following may be considered:

• Undertaking minimally invasive surgeries when feasible
• Limiting radiation exposure
• Recognizing the condition early may prevent it from getting worse

What is the Prognosis of Acquired Lymphangiectasia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Acquired Lymphangiectasia depends upon a variety of factors including on the underlying cause, location of the condition, and severity of the signs and symptoms
• It is difficult to establish a prognosis, but the condition may be assessed on a case-by-case basis
  • Localized forms may have better outcomes than generalized forms
  • Lymphangiectasia that responds to treatment have better outcomes than those that do not respond well to treatment
• Early detection and proper treatment of the condition can yield better prognosis than late detection and inadequate treatment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Acquired Lymphangiectasia:

The lymph vessels carry lymph in the body. Lymph results from filtration of blood, as it travels to and from the tissues. It is a colorless because it lacks red blood cells; instead, it contains lymphocytes. It is central to the immune system. Lymphocytes are the main white blood cells found in the lymph, which is the fluid of the lymphatic system.