Core Framework & Diagram What Does the Lymphatic System Do?

Not at all. The vast majority of swollen lymph nodes (over ninety-five percent) are reactive swelling caused by ordinary infections — they appear with infection and resolve with it, which is completely normal immune response. Lymphoma is relatively rare and has specific warning characteristics (painless, persistent, progressive enlargement, B symptoms). Don't catastrophize every cervical lymph node swelling after a cold — but don't delay medical evaluation when warning characteristics are present.

During surgery, lymphatic vessels may be cut or damaged, blocking lymph fluid return routes and causing lymphedema. This is particularly common after breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection, or other surgeries requiring lymph node removal. Lymphedema management requires professional intervention including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, and specific exercises.

Partially — but it's often overstated. Professional Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a clinically evidenced therapeutic technique that can help lymphedema patients improve lymph fluid return. But many marketed 'lymphatic detox' products and massage packages lack adequate scientific evidence, and 'detox' itself is a vague concept. The most effective daily approach for promoting lymphatic circulation remains regular exercise.

The spleen is the core organ for immune filtration of blood, especially critical for clearing encapsulated bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis). After splenectomy, clearance capacity for these bacteria drops dramatically, and the risk of Overwhelming Post-Splenectomy Infection (OPSI) rises significantly — with high mortality when it occurs. This is why splenectomy patients need lifelong vaccination against these bacteria and need to seek medical care and antibiotics promptly at the first sign of infection.