All cells in the body contain fluid and are surrounded by fluid. The body has a secondary circulatory system called the lymphatic system to manage this fluid. Lymph comes from the blood stream and flows back into the lymphatic system. If you experience persistant edema (swelling), it may signal a problem with the heart or circulatory system.

Female breast tissue has an extensive lymphatic system. If a breast tumor invades this system, then the cancer can move to other parts of the body (metastasis).


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