Causes of lymphedema in breast cancer patients

Cancer, surgery, and radiation therapy can cause side effects such as lymphedema in people with breast cancer.

Lymph is a clear or white fluid made up of infection-fighting white blood cells. Lymphedema is one of the long-term side effects of breast cancer. It occurs when the drainage of bacteria-filtering lymph is disrupted, causing fluid to build up in the lymph vessels and surrounding tissues, causing swelling.

According to doctors at Washington University School of Medicine (USA), lymphedema is a complication that can occur over time. About 5-40% of women who have had breast cancer surgery have lymphedema after surgery. Below are the causes of lymphedema.

Cancerous tumor

One of the most common reasons lymphedema occurs is a breast cancer tumor. If the tumor is large enough to grow near a lymph node, it can press on a vessel and block the flow of lymph through the network of blood vessels, causing swelling and lymphedema.

Surgery

During breast cancer surgery, doctors often remove lymph nodes under the arm and near the collarbone. This is because this is the route through which cancer can spread. The surgeon will decide to remove one or more lymph nodes depending on the size of the lymph nodes and the size of the breast tumor. After surgery, the patient's risk of developing lymphedema is high, even if only one lymph node is removed.

Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy can cause scarring, inflammation, damage to lymph nodes, and can block the flow of lymph. However, these conditions may not occur immediately after a patient receives radiation. Lymphedema usually occurs in the armpit, breast, and around the breast, 1-24 months after completing radiation therapy. In some cases, the swelling decreases over time.

According to the Johns Hopkins Health System (USA), signs of lymphedema in breast cancer patients may include: swelling in the arm or hand, especially where the lymph nodes were removed; a feeling of heaviness, pressure in the arm, armpit or chest; pain, weakness in the arm; difficulty moving the joint, especially in the arm; skin changes, thickening.

If you have signs of lymphedema, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Lymphedema can increase your risk of skin infections such as cellulitis. This is because trapped fluid that cannot drain away encourages bacteria to grow and cause infection. Any wound or puncture of the skin on the arm with lymphedema can also lead to infection. Signs of this condition include swelling, redness, or warmth to the touch.

Breast cancer patients should lose weight and maintain a healthy and reasonable body weight because obesity can increase the risk of lymphedema. Practicing yoga, tai chi, cycling and swimming... are helpful in losing weight and reducing the possibility of lymphedema.

If the patient has lymphedema, avoid damaging the skin because it can easily lead to infection. If blood tests or blood pressure measurements are needed, they should be performed on the arm that is not affected by lymphedema. Lymphedema can become chronic, severe, and uncomfortable in people with breast cancer. Breast cancer treatment with less invasive procedures will result in fewer cases of lymphedema.

Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )

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