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Lymphedema and Breast Cancer, The Causes and The Symptoms

© Keith Smiley

Women who suffer from Breast Cancer can also develop lymphedema. Lymphedema can occur during surgery and treatment, or months or even years later. Swelling can occur in the adjacent hand, arm, and/or it can develop in the chest, side and back as a result from breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy.

The lymphatic system drains excess protein and water from the blood and natural and foreign substances from the tissues. This lymph fluid is filtered by the lymph glands and then returned to the blood system.

When the lymphatic system has been damaged or blocked, lymph fluid builds up and causes mild to severe swelling in the hand or arm. This condition reduces oxygen in the tissues, slows healing and creates a chance for infection and serious risk to your general health.

It is important that women diagnosed with breast cancer are informed about the causes, symptoms, and prevention and treatment of Lymphedema.

Three things usually cause breast cancer patients to develop lymphedema; Surgical removal of the lymph nodes, radiotherapy and accidental trauma. Accidental trauma includes bruises, cuts, burns, sunburns, sprains, insect bites and pet scratches.

Symptoms usually include redness and a very warm arm. This could indicate an infection called Cellulitis, which can be a life-threatening condition. Cellulitis requires immediate medical attention. Other symptoms include:

feeling of tightness

feeling of heaviness

feeling of pins and needles

shooting pain

swelling or increase in size

pain in the elbow

aching back or shoulder

lymph leakage through skin.

If you have any of these symptoms in your hand or arm, please see your physician, oncologist or lymphedema clinic.

If your hand or arm is already affected:

keep the arm spotlessly clean and supple

avoid using arm for injection, blood drawing or pressure readings

be careful cutting nails and do not cut cuticles

use an electric razor for shaving armpits

avoid injury

use a thimble

wear gloves when gardening, cleaning or washing dishes

do not carry, push or pull anything heavy

exercise is important - swimming, walking or biking

eat a normal balanced diet

elevate the arm whenever possible

wear loose clothing

avoid jewelry on hand or arm

learn and practice daily self-massage

For more information on how lymphedema can effect breast cancer patients there are a couple of books you may want to check out.

Coping With Lymphedema by Joan Swirsky, RN Recovery From Breast Surgery by Diana Stumm, PT The Breast Cancer Companion: From Diagnosis through Treatment to recovery -Everything You need to Know for Every Step Along the Way by Kathy La Tour

However, to purchase these books not only should you check your local bookstore, but also try a medical bookstore, or the internet.

The copyright of the article Lymphedema and Breast Cancer, The Causes and The Symptoms in Lymph Circulation Disorders is owned by Keith Smiley. Permission to republish Lymphedema and Breast Cancer, The Causes and The Symptoms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.