What to Expect When Lymphedema Follows Breast Cancer Therapy

When a woman has breast cancer, her treatment may include a mastectomy with lymph node removal along with radiation therapy. While those therapies can lead to positive outcomes, they also can be accompanied by some unwelcome side effects such as lymphedema.

Lymphedema occurs when an accumulation of protein-rich fluid that is usually drained through the body's lymphatic system causes tissue to swell. It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but can also occur in the chest wall, abdomen, neck and genitals.

“When people develop lymphedema following cancer treatment, it can overshadow their recovery, adding physical and emotional strain,” said John Leytham, Director of Rehabilitation at Penn Highlands Huntingdon. “It is very important to seek therapy for lymphedema because if left untreated, it can cause severe discomfort and life-threatening infections.”

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

Lymphedema that results from cancer therapy may not occur for months or even years after treatment. Some of the symptoms and signs include:

• Swelling in part of the arm or leg (including fingers and toes)
• A feeling of tightness or heaviness in the arm or leg
• Restricted range of motion
• Recurring infections
• Fibrosis or hardening or thickening of the skin

How is lymphedema diagnosed?

In many cases, lymphedema can be diagnosed through a physical exam and detailed medical history to identify risk factors present. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT and MRI, which has a great sensitivity in investigating soft tissues, can all help identify lymphedema.

How is lymphedema treated?

Effective treatment generally consists of:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Multi-layered compression bandaging
• Therapeutic exercises
• Meticulous skin care
• Education

“By combining these treatments, swelling will begin to decrease and people will regain much of their strength and mobility,” said Leytham. “In addition, meticulous skin care helps prevent infection, cellulitis and dermatological changes. Seeing consistent progress motivates most people to remain committed to their therapy routines.”

He continued, “For women who experience lymphedema following mastectomies, the combination of treatments and particularly the specialized exercises, help make their conditions manageable. Most women are able to return to many of the activities they enjoyed before surgery.”

Penn Highlands Healthcare offers lymphedema management services throughout Pennsylvania. Specially trained therapists use drainage, massage, compression bandaging techniques, exercise, skin care and patient education to treat lymphedema. For more information or for a location near you, visit www.phhealthcare.org/lymphedema.