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General Information on Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the swelling of any limb due to insufficient draining of the lymphatic
system. Commonly, lymphedema involves the arm or hand in women who have been treated
for breast cancer.
Lymphedema occurs in breast cancer patients as the result of an accumulation of lymphatic
fluid caused by the disruption to the lymph drainage system after removal of lymph
nodes under the arm or after radiation therapy involving these lymph nodes.
Today, changes in radiation and surgical techniques have made lymphedema somewhat
less common. It is reported that up to 30% of women who have a mastectomy develop
lymphedema. Lymphedema can occur immediately after surgery or years later. The
potential lasts throughout a women s lifetime. When lymphedema does occur it can
have a profound effect on the patients quality of life.
WOMEN WHO ARE MOST AT RISK
- Those who had lymph nodes removed from under their arm
- Those who had radiation treatment to the lymph node area of the arm
- Those who had radiation to the breast, possibly reaching underarm lymph nodes.
- Those who have further infiltration of the disease into a node bed
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LYMPHEDEMA
- Sensation of tightness, tingling, numbness, heaviness, or bursting pain
- Decreased strength and mobility
- Swelling and decreased skin mobility
- Color and/or temperature variations from the opposite limb
- Call your doctor if you notice these or any other irregularities
SOMETHINGS TO HELP PREVENT LYMPHEDEMA
- Report any swelling, rash, and/or blistering immediately
- Travel by air with a compression sleeve
- Never receive an injection in the affected limb
- Have blood pressure taken in opposite limb
- Keep at risk limb clean, dry completely, apply low pH lotion, and no electric
razor use
- Maintain ideal weight
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