All what you Need to know about Lymphoedema and Breast Surgery
Diagnosed with breast cancer and wondering about lymphedema and breast cancer surgery ? Well, women who undergo breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) have got to remove some of their lymph nodes from their underarms. On removing the lymph nodes at the time of breast surgery (via axillary dissection or sentinel node biopsy) or treatment with radiation therapy, certain lymph vessels get blocked. It further prevents lymph fluid to leave the tissue below the surgical site. This also leads to swelling or edema in the target area. Besides underarm, lymphedema may also occur in your chest/breast, fingers, hand, or back. The inflammation may be barely felt or seen. Or it may get so large that your arm or affected area starts to appear larger than normal. In worse cases, lymphedema can even lead to pain and movement restrictions. With one arm larger than the other, people may start feeling upset about their asymmetric form. Who are at risk of getting lymphedema? Thi