Lymphedema Center - Great Falls, MT
Great Falls Internist Doctors for LymphedemaType of Physician: Internist What is a Internist? A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists. Specialty: Internal Medicine Common Name: Internist Doctors in Great Falls * Northwest Physicians  Northwest Physicians  Dainiel A Nauts MD  Great Falls Clinic Hospitalist  Great Falls Clinic Hospitalist  T Brice Addison MD  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Great Falls Clinic Central  Helena Physicians Clinic  Helena Physicians Clinic  Helena Physicians Clinic  Helena Physicians Clinic  Helena Physicians Clinic  Medical Specialists of Helena  St Peters Hospital Internal Medicine  Jean M Justad MD & Jay L Larson MD  William N Fernandez MD  Helena Orthopedic Clinic  David M Jordan MD  Helena Cardiology Clinic  Internal Medicine Association  Internal Medicine Association  Internal Medicine Association  Internal Medicine Association Great Falls, MontanaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-17
2012-11-11
LymphedemaWhat is lymphedema?Lymphedema is a condition characterized by swelling in one or more extremities that results from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of specialized vessels (lymph vessels) throughout the body whose purpose is to collect excess lymph fluid with proteins, lipids, and waste products from the tissues. This fluid is then carried to the lymph nodes, which filter waste products and contain infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes. The excess fluid in the lymph vessels is eventually returned to the bloodstream. When the lymph vessels are blocked or unable to carry lymph fluid away from the tissues, localized swelling (lymphedema) is the result. Lymphedema most often affects a single arm or leg, but in uncommon situations both limbs are affected.
It has been estimated that worldwide, there are 140-250 million people affected by lymphedema.
What causes lymphedema?Primary lymphedema causesPrimary lymphedema is an abnormality of an individual's lymphatic system and is likely present at birth, although symptoms may not become apparent until later in life. Depending upon the age at which symptoms develop, three forms of primary lymphedema have been described. Most primary lymphedema occurs without any known family history of the condition.
Recommended Reading Related to LymphedemaMRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan) » What is an MRI scan?An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a moveable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that aligns the protons of hydrogen atoms, which are then exposed to a beam of radio waves. This spins the various protons of the body, and they produce a faint signal that is detected by the receiver portion of the MRI scanner. The receiver information is processed by a computer, and an image is produced. The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. For some procedures, contrast agents, such as gadolinium, are used to increase the accuracy of the images.
When are MRI scans used?An MRI scan can... Other Related Lymphedema ArticlesEmergency Contact for Great Falls
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