How to Screen for Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery or Radiation #shorts
Lymphedema is a lifelong disease that doesn't currently have a cure. However, if we catch lymphedema early and start to treat it right away, we have a greater chance of avoid the swelling from getting any worse, or in some cases, we can reverse it, and the swelling will completely go away!
👩🏻⚕️Routine screenings with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist can help detect any early signs of swelling. Still, it's also important to know what signs and symptoms to look for yourself.
Lymphedema caused by breast cancer treatment will only occur in the arm or chest/trunk on the side where lymph nodes were removed or that were radiated.
The risk for lymphedema is lifelong, but the greatest risk is the first 1-2 years after cancer treatment.
📋 Take a brief moment to check for swelling daily or weekly. Look for swelling or changes in or around the:
🤚🏽Hand and Fingers
🙅🏽♀️Forearm
💁🏼♀️Elbow
💪🏾Upper arm
🙆🏻♀️ Breast
🙋🏾♀️Chest
💍 You also want to watch and see if jewelry, bras, or clothes fit tighter on this side and if they stay this way for more than a couple of days, this potentially can be swelling.
Some may not see swelling but may feel aching, discomfort, or new heaviness in the arm or breast. You may also notice that the joints get stiff in your elbow or fingers and are difficult to bend. If you experience any feelings of pins and needles, itching, or if you have a cut or scratch that won't heal, these may all also be signs of swelling or lymphedema, and it's best to reach out to your lymphedema therapist or oncology team.
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*I am a physical therapist, but not your physical therapist. Although I do monitor comments, I cannot respond to personal medical questions. Please know that these are questions for your own doctor or provider as this is general information only. Thanks!
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