Overview
After breast cancer treatment, some people develop swelling in their arm or breast area.
This happens because the cancer treatment can damage or remove the body's natural drainage system (called lymph nodes) that normally helps remove fluid.
Doctors aren't sure why some people get this swelling while others don't, but good care is important to prevent it from getting worse.
Causes
After breast cancer treatment, some people develop swelling in their arm or breast area.
This happens because the cancer treatment can damage or remove the body's natural drainage system (called lymph nodes) that normally helps remove fluid.
About 1 in 3 patients develop swelling after surgery that removes lymph nodes from under their arm.
The swelling might not show up right away - it can take a year or more to develop.
Doctors aren't sure why some people get this swelling while others don't, but good care is important to prevent it from getting worse.
You might notice:
- Your arm is swollen
- Your arm feels heavy
- It's harder to move your arm
- Discomfort in the affected area
Prevention
The affected arm can easily get infected.
To prevent problems:
- Be careful not to hurt your affected arm
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized
- Don't wear tight clothes
- Do gentle exercise as recommended
- Keep to a healthy weight
Detection & Treatment
Your doctor might recommend:
- Regular care
- Special tight-fitting sleeves
- Special massage to help move fluid
- Exercise programs
- Surgery in some cases
You might need special IV lines for treatment.
Care Management
Things to do:
- Get regular check-ups
- Take good care of your skin
- Keep a healthy weight
- Do approved exercises
- Avoid activities that make swelling worse
Important: Try not to have medical procedures (like blood tests) done on your affected arm
Specialties & Services
