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