Swelling

Treatments for cancer (radiation and surgery) can cause patients to experience swelling of a body part due to a build-up of lymph fluid, frequently in the arms, legs, face, or neck. The swelling is called lymphedema.  Cancers that commonly associated with lymphedema include breast cancer, melanoma, cancers of the male or female reproductive organs, and cancers that have spread to the lower abdominal area.^(1)(2)(3)

Several methods are used to treat lymphedema, including wrapping, exercises and drugs. Prevention of symptoms is important.  It is important to watch for signs of swelling or infection. Symptoms to look for include redness, pain, heat, and/or fever. It is also important to protect the area of surgery or treatment and to protect the area from cuts, bug bites, and sunburn. It is important to try to avoid any trauma to the area by avoiding extreme changes in temperature, heavy lifting and excessive exercise. Recent evidence suggests that exercising the affected limb may help reduce symptoms.⁽⁴⁾⁽⁵⁾

Learn more and watch a documentary about lymphedema.
Learn about treatments for lymphedema.

1. Hinrichs CS, Watroba NL, Rezaishiraz H, Giese W, Hurd T, Fassl KA, Edge SB. Lymphedema secondary to postmastectomy radiation: incidence and risk factors. Ann Surg Oncol. 2004 Jun;11(6):573-80. [PUBMED]
2. Fu MR, Ridner SH, Armer J. Post-breast cancer. Lymphedema: part 1. Am J Nurs. 2009 Jul;109(7):48-54; quiz 55. [PUBMED]
3. Fu MR, Ridner SH, Armer J. Post-breast cancer lymphedema: part 2. Am J Nurs. 2009 Aug;109(8):34-41; quiz 42. [PUBMED]
4. McNeely ML, Campbell K, Ospina M, Rowe BH, Dabbs K, Klassen TP, Mackey J, Courneya K. Exercise interventions for upper-limb dysfunction due to breast cancer treatment.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jun 16;6:CD005211. [PUBMED]
5. McCausland LL. Dragon boat racing: life after breast cancer treatment. Am J Nurs. 2010 Oct;110(10):48-54. [PUBMED]