Managing lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have new or worse symptoms from lymphedema.
Managing lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer: Overview
Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid in the soft tissues of the body. It can happen after lymph nodes are removed during surgery or after radiation therapy. Lymph fluid usually moves freely throughout your body. But when lymph nodes have been removed, or the flow of lymph fluid is blocked by scar tissue from radiation, fluid can build up. This can cause swelling in your arm and nearby areas.
There isn't any known way to prevent lymphedema. But whether you are at risk of getting lymphedema or already have symptoms, there are things you can do that will help. This includes managing any swelling you may have.
Lymphedema can happen soon after breast cancer treatment. Or it may happen many years later. It may affect only part of your arm or hand. In some cases, it affects all of the arm. Make sure to follow these precautions even after you finish treatment. Do not ignore tightness or swelling in or around your arm or hand. You are less likely to have long-term problems if you get these symptoms treated right away.
Why is lymph node removal surgery done for breast cancer?
If breast cancer spreads, it often goes to the lymph nodes first. Lymph node surgery is done to find out if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
The types of lymph node surgery for breast cancer are:
- Sentinel node biopsy.
- The doctor removes the first lymph nodes that cancer may have spread to (sentinel nodes). If cancer is found in only one or two nodes, you may not need to have more lymph nodes removed.
- Axillary node dissection.
- If enough cancer cells are found in the sentinel lymph nodes, the doctor will usually remove most of the lymph nodes in the armpit area (axillary nodes).
You may have lymph node surgery at the same time as a mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery. People with very early breast cancer, such as ductal carcinoma in situ, may not need lymph node testing.
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