Swelling After Breast Cancer: Understanding Lymphedema

For people who have had breast cancer treatment, living with lymphedema can be difficult. Understanding the signs and treatment options can help individuals effectively manage lymphedema symptoms.

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid cannot be cleared from the lymphatic system due to damage or being overwhelmed, causing swelling. For those who have had breast cancer treatments, lymphedema can develop anywhere from a couple months, to years later. The arms, hands, and chest are the most common places for lymphedema to develop after breast cancer treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

Lymphedema cases vary in severity from person to person, but most people experience swelling as a symptom. Other symptoms include:

• Changes in skin texture, such as tightness or redness
• A sensation of fullness or heaviness in the arm, hand, breast, chest, or underarm
• Shooting pain sensations
• Tenderness in the elbow
• Slight puffiness with a temporary indentation when you press on it
• Fever or flu-like symptoms

Treating Lymphedema

Unfortunately, lymphedema is not a curable condition; however, there are several treatment options that can help to manage symptoms.

Non-Invasive Lymphedema Treatments

• Exercise
• Compression sleeves and garments
• Arm Elevation
• Diet and weight management
• Manual lymphatic drainage (massage technique)
• Lymphedema pump

Surgical Lymphedema Treatments

• Liposuction
• Lymph node transfer
• Lymphatic bypass surgery

Sources: Dr. Jesse Meaike

Lymphedema: Symptoms, Treatment, and Risk Factors (breastcancer.org)

Breast Cancer: Lymphedema After Treatment | Johns Hopkins Medicine