Understanding and Treating Lymphedema
Breast Cancer
Understanding and Treating Lymphedema
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.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
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.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Treatment: Choosing Your Treatment
Treatment: Early Stages
Treatment: Hormone Treatments
A mastectomy involves removing the breast – a treatment route many patients with breast cancer feel they will have no choice but to undergo. But it’s not the only surgical option.
Treatment: Surgery
A mastectomy involves removing the breast – a treatment route many patients with breast cancer feel they will have no choice but to undergo. But it’s not the only surgical option.
Treatment: Explaining the Options
For patients who do have to have their breasts or a piece of their breasts removed, there are a number of surgical reconstruction options available.
Treatment: Reconstruction
For patients who do have to have their breasts or a piece of their breasts removed, there are a number of surgical reconstruction options available.
Lymphedema is a chronic swelling that can occur after breast cancer surgery and radiation.
Treatment: Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic swelling that can occur after breast cancer surgery and radiation.