Final answer:
Chylothorax occurs when the thoracic duct is disrupted, causing accumulation of chyle, a lipid-rich lymph, in the pleural cavity. The thoracic duct is responsible for draining lymph from a significant portion of the body and begins at the cisterna chyli. Damage to this system requires medical intervention to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In chylothorax, the thoracic duct is disrupted either traumatically or from a malignancy, and chyle, which is lipid-rich lymph, accumulates in the pleural cavity. The thoracic duct is a large duct that drains lymph from the lower limbs, the left thorax, left upper limb, and the left side of the head. It begins in the cisterna chyli, a sac-like chamber beneath the diaphragm receiving lymph from the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower limbs, contributing to the left subclavian vein.
When the thoracic duct is damaged, chyle can no longer circulate properly and may result in a backup of chyle into the pleural space, leading to chylothorax. This condition can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, and requires immediate medical attention, which can sometimes involve drainage of the chyle or surgical repair of the duct.