Cecelia has noticed that her arms and legs are swollen. What disease is Cecilia's doctor describing if the swelling is caused by a blockage in her lymphatic vessels?

Cecelia's situation describes lymphedema, which is a condition characterized by swelling due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for collecting excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. When there is a blockage in the lymphatic vessels, the fluid cannot be properly drained, resulting in swelling in the affected areas, such as the arms and legs. This is the key aspect that defines lymphedema, distinguishing it from other conditions.

Thrombosis, a condition involving the formation of a blood clot, and heart failure, which can lead to swelling due to fluid retention from heart inefficiency, do not specifically relate to the lymphatic system blockage. Edema is a more general term for swelling caused by various conditions, including lymphedema but does not specify the underlying cause. Thus, lymphedema accurately captures the specific condition caused by blockage in the lymphatic vessels.