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What is Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a swelling of the arm, leg, breast or other part of the body that occurs because of a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues.
Fluid from the body’s tissues usually drains into lymphatic vessels, which are typically close to the blood vessels. This fluid is called lymph. Lymphatic vessels carry the lymph fluid to lymph nodes, where substances that could be harmful, such as bacteria, are filtered out and destroyed. This helps to protect the body from infection. The lymph then passes back into the blood. There are lymph nodes all around the body, including the armpit, groin, stomach, chest and neck.
During treatment for breast cancer, lymph nodes may be removed from the armpit or breast region by surgery or damaged by radiotherapy. This can stop the lymph from fl owing freely and can cause fluid to build up in the arm or breast. If left untreated this build-up of fluid can be difficult to control.
Lymphoedema can develop months or even years after treatment for breast cancer. Lymphoedema usually develops gradually.
Lymphoedema is not the same as the swelling or pain in the breast, armpit or arm that immediately follows surgery or radiotherapy to the breast or armpit.
How common is Lymphoedema
There are a variety of ways of measuring lymphoedema. We don’t know exactly how many people develop lymphoedema in the arm or breast after treatment for breast cancer. Estimates vary from one in ten people to one in three people treated for breast cancer. The risk seems to be higher for people > who have several lymph nodes removed and for those who have both surgery and radiotherapy to the armpit. However, it is important to realise that many people who have lymph nodes removed and radiotherapy to the armpit will not develop the condition.
Signs, symptoms and diagnosis
What are the signs of lymphoedema
Early signs of lymphoedema to look out for can include:
- a feeling of ‘heaviness’, ‘tightness’ or ‘tension’ in the arm or breast
- swelling of the arm, breast or hand (you may notice indentations in the skin from tight clothing or jewellery, or rings, bracelets or watches may feel tighter than usual)
- discomfort or aching of the arm, hand, chest or breast area
- skin that feels warmer than usual.
Some of these early signs may come and go. If you notice one or more of the changes above, it does not necessarily mean you will develop lymphoedema. However, if it is lymphoedema, identifying the signs early and starting appropriate management can help.
There often can be other changes, not associated with the lymphoedema but with surgery or radiotherapy. These changes include reduced range of movement, loss of muscle strength, changes in sensation and tingling in the arm or fingers. These changes should not be mistaken for signs of lymphoedema.
It is important to tell your doctor or breast care nurse promptly about any changes that develop after the initial side effects of treatment have passed.
Further information about reducing the risk of lymphoedema may be found on this site.
If you would like to order a booklet about lymphoedema,
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