Lymphostasis is a disorder of lymphatic outflow, fluid retention in tissues. It can occur for various reasons:
- removal of lymph nodes (most often occurs in breast cancer);
- rupture (damage) of lymphatic vessels;
- obstruction (blockage) of vessels;
- underdevelopment (hypoplasia) of the organs of the lymphatic system. Usually these are hereditary diseases;
- sclerosis, obliteration (contraction) of lymphatic vessels.
When radiation therapy is applied to the axillary region, there is a burn not only of the malignant tumor, but also of the soft tissues and other structures. Because of this, lymphatic vessels become sclerotic. Their lumen gradually narrows until complete obliteration occurs.