Skip to content

Specializing in products for lymphatic, vascular disorders, and soft tissue injuries

1-800-876-3563

559 East High Street, Suite #1
Pottstown, PA 19464
Fax: 1-800-908-3554

Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

JCAHO accreditation seal

Management and Treatment Program for Lymphedema

Breast Cancer and Lymphedema

Lymphedema can occur after breast cancer treatment when lymph nodes or lymph vessels are affected during surgery or radiation therapy. When normal lymph drainage is disrupted, fluid can collect in the arm, hand, chest, or back and cause swelling.

What Is Lymphedema?

During breast cancer surgery, including mastectomy or lumpectomy, some lymph nodes in the underarm may be removed and checked for cancer cells. When axillary lymph nodes are removed or affected by radiation therapy, lymph vessels can become blocked and prevent lymph fluid from draining normally.

Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid collects in the arm or other nearby areas such as the hand, fingers, chest, or back, causing swelling. The swelling may be mild or severe and can sometimes lead to pain, reduced movement, and distress about the appearance of the affected area.

Who Gets Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is related to axillary surgery and radiation therapy, but not everyone develops it. Factors that may increase risk include:

  • Removal of a large number of axillary lymph nodes during surgery.
  • Radiation to the axillary area.
  • A combination of axillary surgery and radiation to the axillary lymph nodes.
  • A large number of axillary lymph nodes containing cancer.
  • Infections in the area after breast surgery.
  • Being overweight.

How Often Does It Occur?

Fortunately, most breast cancer survivors do not develop lymphedema. Since modern surgery often removes fewer axillary lymph nodes, lymphedema is generally less common than it was in the past.

Sentinel node biopsy is less invasive than axillary dissection and removes fewer lymph nodes, which lowers risk. Your page states that survivors who have axillary dissection are about three times more likely to develop lymphedema than those who have sentinel node biopsy.

Breast Reconstruction and Lymphedema

For women who choose breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the type of reconstruction does not appear to significantly affect the risk of lymphedema based on the information presented on this page.

When Does Lymphedema Occur?

Your current content says lymphedema usually develops within three years of breast surgery, but it may also occur immediately after surgery or many years after treatment.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

If you notice early signs of lymphedema, speak with your healthcare provider. Early treatment may help reduce symptoms and keep the condition from worsening.

  • Swelling in the arm or hand, such as tighter rings or watches.
  • Tightness, heaviness, or fullness in the arm or hand.
  • Tightness or thickening of the skin.
  • Pain or redness in the arm or hand.

Treating Lymphedema

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, treatment may improve movement and reduce pain and swelling in the affected arm.

Standard treatment may include:

  • Skin and nail care.
  • Compression bandages or sleeves.
  • Exercises and guided movement.
  • Manual lymphatic drainage.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Compression devices.
  • Surgery in some cases.
  • Weight loss when appropriate.

Before starting any therapy, discuss it with your healthcare provider. Many therapies are done by physical therapists, and your provider may recommend a qualified specialist.