What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema may develop if you have lymph nodes removed or have radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment.

• Watch for symptoms, such as feeling that your clothes or rings are too tight.
• Keep lymph fluid moving. This may include propping up your limb when you can and using massage and exercise, if your doctor recommends it.
• Learn how to protect and care for your affected arm or leg. This can include using gloves or always wearing shoes and knowing how to treat injuries like cuts or bug bites.

Symptoms of lymphedema include feeling as though your clothes, rings, wristwatches, or bracelets are too tight. You may have a feeling of fullness in your arms or legs and less flexibility in your wrists, hands, and ankles.

Treatment focuses on managing lymphedema. This may include wearing compression garments to help reduce swelling and special massage to help drain lymph fluid from the area. It also includes self-care, such as watching closely for changes, protecting yourself from injury, and maintaining a healthy weight. Surgery is an option in some cases.

Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid in the soft tissues of the body. It can happen after lymph nodes are removed during surgery or after radiation therapy. Lymph fluid usually moves freely throughout your body. But when lymph nodes have been removed, or the flow of lymph fluid is blocked by scar tissue from radiation, fluid can build up. This can cause swelling in your arm and nearby areas.

There isn't any known way to prevent lymphedema. But whether you are at risk of getting lymphedema or already have symptoms, there are things you can do that will help. This includes managing any swelling you may have.

Lymphedema can happen soon after breast cancer treatment. Or it may happen many years later. It may affect only part of your arm or hand. In some cases, it affects all of the arm. Make sure to follow these precautions even after you finish treatment. Do not ignore tightness or swelling in or around your arm or hand. You are less likely to have long-term problems if you get these symptoms treated right away.

• Wear a compression stocking or sleeve as your doctor suggests. It can help keep fluid from pooling in an arm or leg. Wear it during air travel.
• Prop up the swollen arm or leg on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Avoid crossing your legs if they are swollen.
• Get some exercise on most days of the week. Increase the intensity of exercise slowly. Wear your compression stocking or sleeve during exercise.
• See a health professional, such as a physical therapist, who has been trained in lymphedema management. They can teach you how to do self-massage to help fluid move around. You also can learn what activities are best for you.
• If you have had treatment to your underarm area:
  • When possible, avoid having blood drawn from that arm.
  • When possible, avoid having a blood pressure cuff placed on that arm. If you are in the hospital, make sure your nurse and other hospital staff know of your condition.
• Avoid skin infection or injury.
  • Wear gloves when gardening or doing other activities that may lead to cuts on your fingers or hands.
  • Do not walk barefoot. Wear comfortable and supportive shoes that fit properly.
  • Use sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors to protect your skin from sunburn and insect bites.
  • Ask your doctor how to treat any cuts, scratches, insect bites, or other injuries that may occur.

Lymphedema is a collection of fluid called lymph in the tissues of the body. Normally, this fluid flows through the lymph system. If that system isn't working as it should, fluid can build up in the affected area and cause lymphedema. This happens most often in an arm or leg.

Lymphedema may be caused by cancer treatment, like surgery or radiation. Or it may be caused by cancer itself, such as when tumors press against lymph nodes or affect the lymph system. Other causes of lymphedema include infections, inflammatory conditions, obesity, and injury to the lymph nodes. Sometimes the cause isn't known.