Breast Cancer and Lymphedema: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How It’s Treated

Among the many potential lingering side effects of breast cancer, one of the most challenging can be lymphedema, a condition in which lymphatic fluid gets trapped in lymph vessels and causes swelling.

Here’s what you need to know about lymphedema, its triggers, and how you can get it treated.

The Top Causes of Lymphedema

Cancer

One of the most common reasons lymphedema occurs is the tumor itself. Specifically, if a cancerous tumor is too big — and is growing near a lymph node or a lymph vessel — it can block the flow of lymph through the network of vessels it normally flows through.

Surgery

Radiation Therapy

Signs You May Be Developing Lymphedema

“It’s important to note that women may experience lymphedema in the breast itself as well as in the armpits due to radiation,” Dr. Bagegni says. “We know a patient has breast lymphedema when there’s asymmetry and swelling within the breast itself as well as in the surrounding areas.”

• Swelling in the arm or hand, particularly on the side where lymph nodes were removed
• A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the arm, armpit, or chest
• Pain or weakness in the arm
• Trouble moving a joint, such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or fingers
• Changes or thickening of the skin

When to See Your Doctor

If you think you're developing lymphedema, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. One reason doctors want you to act promptly is that lymphedema can increase risk of skin infection, such as cellulitis. You’ll know you have a skin infection if your skin becomes swollen, red, or warm to the touch.

“This happens because trapped fluid that cannot drain can prompt germs,” says Paula Rosenblatt, MD, a medical oncologist at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center in Baltimore. “Any injury or skin puncture to the arm can also lead to infection.”

Treatment for Lymphedema

“We also encourage patients to maintain an ideal body weight, or lose weight, as obesity can be a risk factor for lymphedema,” Dr. Rosenblatt says.

Finally, make sure to be monitored routinely, avoid skin punctures and, if you need bloodwork or blood pressure readings, ask for those to be done on the non-lymphedema arm.

Ultimately, lymphedema can end up being a lifelong health issue, even if it doesn’t happen right away.

“If it’s significant, it can be a chronic problem that causes heaviness and a lot of discomfort,” Bagegni says. “However, our hope is that over the years, as we do fewer invasive procedures, we will see fewer and fewer cases of lymphedema.”

The Takeaway

Lymphedema is a potential side effect of breast cancer treatment. If you experience symptoms like heaviness, pain, or swelling in your arm, notify your healthcare provider promptly to reduce the risk of complications.