What is lymphoedema?
​Around 1 in 5 breast cancer patients will develop lymphoedema, a potential side effect postmastectomy or post radiation therapy. The condition can present whilst undergoing treatment or within the years following treatment.
​
Lymph is a thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the lymphatic system.It serves to remove waste, bacteria, and other substances from tissues. Edema is the buildup of excess fluid in the cavities or tissues of the body. When too much of this fluid builds up or collects in any area of the body lymphoedema occurs.
​
For patients who have been treated for cancer the condition usually occurs in the hand and arm but can also the breast, underarm, chest, trunk, and/or back.
Why does lymphoedema occur?
Whilst undergoing a mastectomy, surgeons may remove at least two or three axillary lymph nodes from under the arm. The axillary nodes are the first place breast cancer is likely to spread because they drain lymph from the breast. Sometimes many more nodes may also be removed.
Surgery and radiation can result in cutting off or damaging some of the nodes and vessels leading the remaining vessels or pathways to become overwhelmed. Over time this can result in a backup of fluid into the body’s tissues.
​
There is no way to determine whether or not an individual will develop lymphoedema postmastectomy or post-treatment so it is best to stay educated on the subject and understand the condition. Learn about the early symptoms, risk factors and how the LUT 904 device can help. If you feel you may be suffering, it is advisable to seek a diagnosis from a qualified Therapist.
Lymphoedema: Signs & Symptoms
Lymphoedema will generally occur in the part of the body that is “drained” by lymph nodes for that specific area. If you had lymph nodes removed under your arm (axillary lymph nodes), it's possible you may develop lymphoedema in your chest, back, or arm on that same side.
The condition usually starts to present at the farthest part of the limb such as the hand or ankle, however, you should monitor all risk areas. Early treatment is important to minimise the symptoms and improve the outcome.
Many conditions share the same symptoms and some symptoms are very subtle so it is easily misdiagnosed or "fobbed" off by doctors or therapists without exposure or experience when treating lymphoedema sufferers.
​
If you may have experienced any of these symptoms or think you may have lymphoedema and are yet to be diagnosed, please contact a therapist near you or alternatively contact RianCorp with any additional questions you may have.
Symptoms of lymphoedema can be intermittent and can include:
​
-
Achiness, tingling, discomfort, or increased warmth experienced in the hand, arm, chest, breast, or underarm areas
-
A fullness or heaviness feeling in the hand, arm, chest, breast, or underarm
-
Tightness or decreased flexibility in nearby joints, such as the shoulder, hand, or wrist
-
“Bursting” or “shooting” pain sensations, or pins and needles
-
Tenderness in the elbow
-
Slight puffiness or swelling in your arm, hand, chest, or breast, with a temporary indentation of the skin when you press on it with your finger (this is called pitting edema)
-
Veins or tendons in the hand are harder to see, and/or the knuckles look less pronounced, or once-wrinkled skin looks younger or smoother, visible puffiness of the skin
-
Trouble fitting the arm into a jacket or shirt sleeve that fit well before
-
The bra feels tighter, does not fit the same, or leaves an indentation on the skin
-
Noticing that the two sides of the back look different in size (asymmetrical)
-
Difficulty putting on and taking off watches, rings, or bracelets
-
Skin texture changes or appearance, such as tightness, redness, or hardening
-
Rash, itching, redness, pain, or warmth of the skin
-
Fever or flu-like symptoms