Lymph vessels of the face

Mostly lymph vessels are associated with the legs, as lymphedema can develop particularly quickly in these areas. The actual function of the lymph vessels, namely the removal of fluid, is then no longer guaranteed. But lymph vessels are also present in the face.

They have the task of removing tissue fluid from the face and re-introducing it into the venous system. They are also used to transport proteins and immune cells, such as lymphocytes.The lymph vessels of the face also ensure that pollutants are removed. If this function is disturbed, this can easily become noticeable.

The patient looks pale, has a pale complexion or impure facial skin. If there is a congestion of the lymph vessels in the face, this can be treated with the help of lymph drainage. This has the effect that the harmful substances are better removed with the lymph fluid, which in turn can improve the skin’s appearance.

Lymph vessels of the neck

With the help of lymph capillaries, the fluid is absorbed from the tissue around the neck (for example, from the muscles) and transported away in the direction of the left or right vein angle in the area under the collarbone. Here the fluid, which contains proteins and defense cells, flows into the venous system. In the lymph node, the lymphatic fluid is cleansed of all harmful substances, which is why it can swell in the event of an infection.

After this purification, the lymph fluid returns to the venous system via the lymph vessels in the neck, thus closing the circulation. The lymph vessels in the neck have a particularly large number of lymph nodes. These lymph nodes become active in the event of inflammation or infection, such as tonsillitis or influenza. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are particularly well visible from the outside, especially in the tonsils.

Lymph vessels of the breast

The lymph vessels of the breast have a special significance. Just like at the neck, there are several lymph nodes in the area of the breast where the lymph fluid can be purified. These play a decisive role especially in breast cancer (breast cancer), which is why the lymph vessels of the breast are particularly important.

In general, the lymph vessels of the right breast open into the right vein angle. The lymph vessels of the left breast, on the other hand, open into the left vein angle. Before the fluid is transferred to the venous system, the lymph vessels pass through the lymph nodes in the armpits and under the collarbone.

If the breast is affected by a tumor, the tumor cells are absorbed by the lymph vessels. As a result, they then enter the lymph nodes, especially in the armpit area. As a result, the tumor is not only located in the breast but also in the lymph nodes.

During surgery, every lymph node affected by tumor cells must therefore be removed. This special feature of the lymph vessels of the breast is of decisive importance in the case of breast cancer. The number of affected lymph nodes is crucial for the prognosis of the tumor.