Dr. Jeremy Goldman

A regenerated lymphatic capillary in skin is shown in the image draining interstitial fluid, indicated by the white arrow in image at left

Interstitial flow, directed from the blood capillaries to the lymphatic capillaries, clears interstitial macromolecules and excess fluid from the skin.  Disruptions of the lymphatic capillaries reduce interstitial flow and cause macromolecules and fluid to accumulate in the interstitium.  Such disruptions, which may lead to secondary lymphedema, are caused during axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer patients. Unfortunately, secondary lymphedema remains poorly understood and lacks a cure.