One of the often-overlooked side effects of breast cancer surgery and radiation treatment is lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling, usually in the arm and hand. There is no cure but it’s important that patients recognize the signs and get treatment as early as possible.
There are four stages, with treatment options ranging from compression garments, physiotherapy and exercise to different surgery methods including lymph node transfer and a technique called lymphovenous bypass.
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Dr. Dung Nguyen is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. She is Director of Breast Reconstruction at the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center and the Director of the Adult Plastics Clinic at Stanford Healthcare. Read More
One of the often-overlooked side effects of breast cancer surgery and radiation treatment is lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling, usually in the arm and hand. There is no cure but it’s important that patients recognize the signs and get treatment as early as possible.
There are four stages, with treatment options ranging from compression garments, physiotherapy and exercise to different surgery methods including lymph node transfer and a technique called lymphovenous bypass.
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