Lymphedema and
Breast Cancer Surgery
The lymphatic system is a filtration system for lymph fluid. Lymph fluid contains proteins, fats, water, and waste products. Lymph fluid travels throughout your body through channels much like roadways. It passes through the lymph nodes which act like many filters. When lymphatic channels become blocked or interrupted, or lymph nodes are removed
during breast cancer surgery, lymph fluid may not drain properly. When lymph fluid becomes blocked your hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, or breast may become swollen. This swelling is called lymphedema.
Lymphedema may occur right after your surgery or it may occur many years later.
Risk Factors for Lymphedema
Besides surgery on your breast, lymph nodes, or lymph vessels, radiation therapy is a risk factor for lymphedema. It may change the lymph flow as a result of inflammation or scarring.
Tell your doctor if you are having any:
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Other factors may increase your risk for developing lymphedema after you have had breast surgery. These include obesity, high resolve by elevating your arm.
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Pain, heaviness, aching, discomfort, tightness, or weakness in your hand, blood pressure, heart disease, or other wrist, arm, shoulder, or breast.
conditions that may decrease lymphatic flow.
Swelling after surgery that doesn't 
Swelling, warmth, redness, or a feeling of fullness in your hand, arm, or breast.
Signs of Lymphedema
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Decreased range of motion in your hand, wrist, arm, or shoulder.
Recognizing early signs and getting treatment right away is critical in 
Infection in your hand, arm, or breast.
preventing a long term problem.
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Increased hardness or thickness of your skin.
Prevention Also Avoid:
Learning about ways to help prevent 
lymphedema is important in keeping your hand and arm safe. 
bites, scratches, burns, infections.
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Cutting your cuticles.
blood pressures, needle sticks, blood 
Excess weight gain.
tests, or immunizations, flu shots, or 
Getting sunburned. Wear sunscreen Protect your operative arm. Avoid vaccinations in your affected arm.
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Injuries to your skin – insect or pet Exercise will work to keep your lymphatic channels open. when outdoors. 
Saunas and hot tubs or excessive outdoor heat.
­ Move and use your arm after your surgery for activities such as Although there is no cure for lymphedema, washing your face, combing your with prevention the risk can be reduced. hair, bathing, and dressing. ­ Use the stress ball your breast nurse navigator provided. – do you still give?
If lymphedema does develop, there are treatment management techniques that you can discuss with your doctor and/or physical therapist.
­ Practice deep breathing, which helps to move your lymphatic fluid. ­ Activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Tai-
Chi, and swimming are all ideal forms of exercise.
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Mount Carmel offers a Lymphedema Care Class for breast cancer survivors. Please call 614-234-7545 for more information or to register.
Do not over use your arm. Avoid tiring, repetitive activities, such as shoveling snow and washing windows. Rest your arm if it becomes tired or the muscles are cramping.
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Wear protective gloves or mitts when gardening, doing household chores, or cooking.
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Avoid anything that may constrict your hand or arm. This includes tight rings and watches, or carrying heavy objects over your shoulder, or with your affected arm. 
Consider getting fitted for a compression sleeve for use with air travel or exercising.
Dev. 11/08, Rev. 6/10, 11/14
©
Mount Carmel 2014