Translational Challenges: Lymph Node Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Chronic lymphedema is a progressive pathological condition of the lymphatic system often leading to a clinical picture of disfigurement and decreased mobility and function. The authors discuss clinical presentation with diagnosis and stages and traditional treatment. Typically, a clinical history and physical examination are sufficient to provide a clear diagnosis of chronic lymphedema, but in obscure cases lymphoscintigraphy and/or magnetic resonance imaging will lead to a diagnosis. Most innovative regenerative medicine paradigms are related to cell processing and culturing, but combined autologous lymph node fragments and biodegradable scaffolds are particularly promising.