Breast Cancer and Lymphedema
Understanding lymphedema after breast cancer — symptoms, risk factors, timing, and treatment options.
Breast Cancer and Lymphedema
Lymphedema can occur after breast cancer treatment when lymph nodes or lymph vessels are affected during surgery or radiation therapy. When normal lymph drainage is disrupted, fluid can collect in the arm, hand, chest, or back and cause swelling.
What Is Lymphedema?
During breast cancer surgery — including mastectomy or lumpectomy — some lymph nodes in the underarm may be removed and checked for cancer cells. When axillary lymph nodes are removed or affected by radiation therapy, lymph vessels can become blocked and prevent lymph fluid from draining normally.
Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid collects in the arm or other nearby areas such as the hand, fingers, chest, or back, causing swelling. The swelling may be mild or severe and can sometimes lead to pain, reduced movement, and distress about the appearance of the affected area.
Who Gets Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is related to axillary surgery and radiation therapy, but not everyone develops it. Factors that may increase risk include:
- Removal of a large number of axillary lymph nodes during surgery
- Radiation to the axillary area
- A combination of axillary surgery and radiation to the axillary lymph nodes
- A large number of axillary lymph nodes containing cancer
- Infections in the area after breast surgery
- Being overweight
How Often and When Does It Occur?
How Often?
Most breast cancer survivors do not develop lymphedema. Modern surgery often removes fewer axillary lymph nodes, making lymphedema less common than in the past.
When Does It Occur?
Usually develops within three years of breast surgery — but may occur immediately after surgery or many years later.
Sentinel node biopsy is less invasive than axillary dissection and removes fewer lymph nodes, which lowers risk. Survivors who have axillary dissection are about three times more likely to develop lymphedema than those who have sentinel node biopsy.
For women who choose breast reconstruction after mastectomy, the type of reconstruction does not appear to significantly affect the risk of lymphedema.
Symptoms of Lymphedema
If you notice early signs of lymphedema, speak with your healthcare provider. Early treatment may help reduce symptoms and keep the condition from worsening.
Treating Lymphedema
Although there is no cure for lymphedema, treatment may improve movement and reduce pain and swelling in the affected arm. Standard treatment may include: