Breast Cancer & Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a condition that occurs in one in five breast cancer patients. It might occur right after surgery or radiation therapy, or it might happen months or years later or not at all. If lymphedema is not treated, it can become debilitating and cause an infection known as cellulitis. While there is no cure for lymphedema, there are things you can do to help reduce or relieve the symptoms.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that can occur after damage of the lymphatic system or lymph node removal. This might be the result of treatment options such as surgery or radiation therapy. When damage occurs to the lymphatic system, lymphatic fluid can build up. This causes uncomfortable swelling. When identified early, lymphedema symptoms can be treated and relieved.

What Are the Symptoms of Lymphedema?

Symptoms of lymphedema include a feeling of fullness, heaviness or tightness of the affected area. Lymphedema typically begins slowly. You may notice jewelry or clothing begins to leave an indentation on your skin. Comparing the affected areas (such as an arm, leg, foot or hand) may show differences where one is more swollen than the other.

What Can Be Done to Treat Lymphedema Symptoms?

A trained therapist can provide complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to treat lymphedema. This treatment helps reduce swelling caused by excess fluid in the body.

What Does Complete Decongestive Therapy Include?

CDT includes manual lymph drainage massage, skin care, exercise, use of compression when appropriate and education about how to manage lymphedema symptoms yourself at home.

Manual Lymph Drainage Massage

Manual lymph drainage is a type of massage with specific techniques that can effectively help rid the body of excess fluid and symptoms of swelling. Manual lymph drainage massage uses very light pressure because the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin.

Skin Care

Lymphedema can increase the risk of skin infections. For this reason, skin care education is very important. Using products without fragrances or perfumes is recommended as they can irritate the skin. Wound and nail care may also be recommended.

Exercise

Special exercises are used with lymphedema treatment to promote circulation towards the center of the body. Cardiovascular exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or rebounding promote increased lymphatic circulation in the body. Avoid excessive strain or heavy weightlifting.

Compression Garments

These are usually elastic-type sleeves or stockings that fit closely to the skin. They compress the affected area (usually the arm for breast cancer patients) to promote drainage of lymph fluid. A skilled rehabilitation therapist can recommend various products tailored for each person’s needs. This might include compression wraps, garments, pads and pneumatic compression pumps. At the April Sampson Cancer Center, a team of certified fitters provides measurements to ensure the proper compression and fit for each person.

Additional Services for Breast Cancer Patients

Also at April Sampson Cancer Center are certified mastectomy fitters can help patients with breast prosthetics—whether partial, full, custom or nipple prosthetics—as well as bras.