Lymphoedema signs & symptoms: What to watch out for

What is lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the body tissues especially in the layer of fat under the skin. In breast cancer patients, this uncomfortable swelling can occur in the arm, hand or breast /chest area and can happen in the months following treatment or sometimes years later.

What causes lymphoedema?

Most women who have breast surgery will have some lymph nodes removed from the armpit. This is an important part of the surgery – the presence or absence of cancer cells in these nodes indicates whether the cancer has spread. But this also damages the lymphatic system.

Usually, lymph fluid from the arm drains through these vessels, so when some are damaged the fluid can back up in the arm or chest area.

Many women also have radiation to that area, which can further damage the lymphatic system.

Lympoedema can occur years after breast surgery, and may be triggered by infection or injury to the arm, or can sometimes occur without obvious cause.

How can I reduce my risk?

It’s not known why some people develop lymphoedema and others don’t, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.

An infection in the affected arm can cause lymph fluid to build up. To reduce the chance of that happening:

• Keep your skin moisturised, and take good care of (and avoid biting) your nails. Any break in the skin can allow bacteria to enter
• Wear gloves when gardening to avoid cuts and scratches
• Treat any scratches, grazes or cuts immediately. Clean the area with an antiseptic solution and cover with a non-stick dressing. Seek medical treatment if an infection develops.

As well as avoiding infection, you can reduce your risk by doing the following:

• Maintain a healthy weight – obesity greatly increases your lymphoedema risk
• Exercise regularly and practice deep breathing. Both of these things help to keep lymph fluid moving
• Avoid extreme temperatures (e.g. spa pools)
• Use your unaffected arm where possible for injections, blood tests, IV lines and blood pressure readings
• Avoid massage except when performed by a lymphoedema therapist.

How will I know if I’m getting lymphoedema?

Some early warning signs might be present for months or years before permanent swelling is obvious. It’s important to watch out for:

• “Pitting” of the tissues – this is when, after applying pressure to the skin, an indentation remains once that pressure has been released
• Clothing or jewellery that starts to feel tighter
• A feeling off fullness or tightness in the affected arm or breast
• Aching and stiffness in the affected arm or breast
• Swelling in the affected arm or breast, even if it comes and goes

What should I do if I experience any of these symptoms?

Most importantly, show any unusual signs and symptoms to your doctor, even if it’s been years since you went through breast cancer treatment.

If lymphoedema is diagnosed early, treatment can help lessen its severity. This is a condition that can get worse over time, and it’s difficult to treat once it’s fully developed. Early detection and treatment is the best response.

Your doctor can refer you to a lymphoedema therapist, or you can find one in your area. They use message techniques and exercises to reduce the swelling, and can fit you for compression garments that can help to reduce the swelling.

For more information, go here.