|
- Lymphoedema is a swelling of the arm and hand which may
occur immediately or at any time after surgery or radiation
therapy
- Lymph is a normal colourless fluid which forms in the
body and drains into the blood through a network of vessels
and nodes. Lymph nodes are filter stations which play an
important part in the body's defence against infection.
Muscle movements help move lymph fluids.
- Most women who have surgery for breast cancer have the
lymph nodes under their arm removed. This surgery interferes
with the natural flow of lymph.
- If the lymph nodes are removed or damaged by radiotherapy,
fluid can accumulate in the tissues and swelling (oedema)
occurs. This is known as lymphoedema. Untreated, this swelling
may become difficult to control.
- Most women have symptoms of swelling, numbness, discomfort
and shooting pains in the arm, breast and armpit immediately
after surgery. This is not lymphoedema.
Key points
- Not all breast cancer patients get lymphoedema.
- Experts believe that removing only the sentinel node
(sentinel node biopsy) will reduce the incidence of
lymphoedema (at this stage the procedure is only being
done as part of a clinical trial)
- Lymphoedema can be managed and prevented/reduced
- The earlier lymphoedema is diagnosed and treated,
the more successful the results
- You may wish to take extra care in your daily life
to reduce your risk of lymphoedema. This does not mean
that you have to stop living a normal active life.
Early signs of lymphoedema
You may experience the following symptoms in your arm
on the side of the operation:
- a heavy, tight arm
- pins and needles in the arm
- swelling of the arm or breast or any part of these
- numbness, temperature changes and aches in the arm and/or
shoulder
- indentations in the skin from tight clothing, your watch
or jewellery
- rings or jewellery which feel tighter than normal
- an appearance of swelling in the arm
What triggers lymphoedema
Some factors have a much greater probability of causing
or increasing lymphoedema than others.
The most important ones are:
-
Infections in the arm Perhaps resulting
from cuts, injections, insect bites, scratches, burns
or sunburn. Keeping skin moisturised and supple reduces
the risk of infection. Treat any possible infections
promptly with antiseptic. If the arm becomes red or
swollen and you feel unwell, perhaps with flu-like
symptoms, see your medical practitioner immediately.
-
Being overweight Excess weight may
slow the lymph flow.
-
Too little or too much exercise Gentle
muscle movement increases lymph flow and reduces the
risk of fluids accumulating. It is better to do gentle
regular exercise than occasional bursts of intense
exercise. If you want to exercise vigorously, work
up to it and keep an eye on the swelling. Find the
exercise routine which suits you.
Other factors include:
-
Overheating your arm Sun, hot baths,
spas, saunas, excessive exercise, sprains and bruises
- all these cause lymph flow to increase and may overload
the lymph vessels.
-
Travelling Sitting still on long car
or bus trips and pressure variations in planes may
reduce lymph flow. There are precautions you can take
- ask a lymphoedema therapist.
-
Holding heavy parcels This can reduce
lymph flow. Work up to carrying heavy items, check
for swelling, find out what suits you.
-
Constrictions to the upper body or arm
For example, blood pressure cuffs, tourniquets, bras
with narrow straps, clothes which are tight around
the chest or arm, and tight jewellery or watches may
reduce lymph flow.
|
