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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.
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. Go To Page: 1 |
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