Monday, February 11, 2013

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?