Lymphedema and Breast Cancer: What Every Woman With Breast Cancer Should Know

Lymphedema and Breast Cancer: What Every Woman With Breast Cancer Should Know
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Lymphedema is a complication that may occur after a breast cancer surgery. Some patients are more prone to getting lymphedema than others due to the specifics of their cancer treatment.

After performing a breast cancer surgery, the doctor will remove at least one lymph node from the armpit area. The node will be examined to find out whether the cancer has spread. On occasions, surgeons may decide to remove more than one lymph node.

The removal of lymph nodes from the armpit area will interfere with the proper flow of lymph. As a result, a swelling in the chest, hand, fingers, shoulder or armpit area may occur. The swelling is known as lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.

In the beginning, the lymphedema symptoms will be relatively subtle. Before patients notice a visible swelling, they may feel tingling or a numbing sensation in the arm or fingers. Increased warmth or discomfort in the chest, breast, arm or hand area may also indicate lymphedema.

Who is at Risk of Developing Lymphedema?

In the case of breast cancer, patients that undergo surgery and radiation therapy are at highest risk of developing lymphedema.

Individuals who undergo mastectomy, auxiliary lymph node removal, radiation therapy to a lymph node region and lumpectomy are at a higher risk of developing lymphedema. This condition can occur a few days after the surgery but in some instances, lymphedema could become evident months after the breast cancer treatment.

When left untreated, the condition will keep on aggravating. A consultation with a physician will be needed as soon as the first symptoms of lymphedema become evident.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Lymphedema is diagnosed through a complete physical exam. The doctor will examine the patient's medical record to find out what type of treatment to select

Exercise and compression will be used to reduce the swelling and to improve the lymph circulation in the body. The doctor may also prescribe changes in diet, massage, lymphatic drainage and antibiotic treatment.

The use of a lymphedema pump is another great way to deal with the condition. The lymphedema pump is perfect for usage on the limbs and it decreases the swelling and pain. The pump stimulates the proper circulation of lymph, which helps for the drainage of fluid from the area affected by surgery.

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  Lymphedema and Cancer