Lymphedema

Patients with cancer may experience lymphedema after radiation or surgery, especially if the surgery involves removal of lymph nodes. This is a particular problem after breast cancer surgery because a large concentration of lymph nodes and lymph vessels are located in an area between the breast and underarm.

Equally damaging to lower extremities is surgical excision of large numbers of lymph nodes for certain cancers and melanoma. However, even removing one lymph node may produce consequences.  Removing lymph nodes interferes with the transport of lymph, a fluid that helps the body "take out its trash." Lymph drains the tissues of wastes and toxins, reabsorbs protein molecules, and circulates white cells to fight infection. When lymph can't flow, it stagnates, causing tissue congestion as these substances cannot be reabsorbed by the venous system. The skin can become hardened and inflexible, a process known as fibrosis. The limb can feel heavy. These symptoms and more can cause physical changes as well as decrease your quality of life.

Ask your healthcare provider if the treatments you are getting can cause lymphedema. Much can be done to anticipate the problem and treat it at its early onset. Lymphedema needs to be addressed to help you return to health.