Biomechanics of Lymphathic Cancer
Scroll down to learn more about our work in visualizing how cancer hijacks the lymphatic system to metastasize through the body.
Client: Ghent University Hospital
01 - Overview
Artists:
Margot Ceelen
Tiffany Fung
The client approached us to create a graphical abstract for their research article that compared the biomechanics of a normal lymphatic system versus a cancerous one. Our goal was to convey complex information on lymphatic biomechanics in two high-quality and clear comparative images.
The challenge for us was to depict a lot of different cellular structures next to each other, without the overall image becoming cluttered. We had to keep the style of the image consistent and the message clear.
Healthy Lymphatics
In a healthy lymphatic system, cells can pass through the discontinuous basement membrane wall of the initial lymphatics and flow through to the lymph core.
Cancerous Lymphatics
Here, the tumor has disrupted and proliferated the initial lymphatics. The tumor cells are able to travel through the rest of the lymphatic system, resulting in systemic metastasis.
02 - What is lymphoma?
Lymphatic cancer, otherwise known as lymphoma, impacts the body’s disease-fighting network. The lymphatic system encompasses the lymph nodes/glands, spleen, thymus glands, and bone marrow. Your lymphatic system is in charge of removing excess fluids from your body, in addition to creating immune cells.
03 - Our Solution ✨
We developed simplified icon-like illustrations for each cell so that the reader can clearly follow what is happening. In combining these icons with a schematized visualization of the lymphatic system, we created a 2-part graphical abstract that educates on how cancer hijacks the lymphatic vessels.
Let’s Chat
Do you need medical illustrations for your next research article? Reach out to us and we can start the conversation.