Lymph helps to destroy potentially dangerous bacteria and cancer cells and filter waste and toxins. It is also responsible for working with the circulatory system to help deliver hormones and nutrients to the tissues of the body.The lymphatic system, which is responsible for lymph flow is a series of vessels and nodes, distributed throughout the body. When this system is disrupted by the destruction of lymph nodes or vessels, swelling can occur. This is called lymphedema and is a common problem for women who have had mastectomy with lymph node removal for breast cancer.