![]() You’re more likely to increase your risk of lymphoedema by overly protecting your arm and not using it enough. Using your ‘at risk’ arm and regular exercise If you’re unsure about the level of exercise you’re able to do, or would like guidance on a diet appropriate for you, your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist may be able to help you. Maintaining a healthy weightīeing overweight can increase your risk of developing lymphoedema because of added strain on an already weakened lymphatic system.Įating healthily and doing some regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy body weight. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema. These include skincare, exercise, compression garments and a type of massage called manual lymphatic drainage.įind out more about how lymphoedema is treated and managed. There are various treatments and techniques to manage lymphoedema. Sometimes lymphoedema can be due to cancer cells blocking the lymphatic system. Lymphoedema may develop soon after surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, but it can also occur many years later and may be triggered by a skin infection (cellulitis) or possibly injury. This can affect the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid in this area, and lymph fluid can build up in the surrounding tissues. Lymph nodes and vessels that are damaged or removed cannot be replaced. One, some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm can be removed during breast surgery to check whether any cancer cells are present. Some people develop lymphoedema after surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm and surrounding area. They can also filter out cancer cells that have spread from a breast cancer. The lymph nodes filter out waste products and bacteria. The vessels transport a fluid called lymph to the lymph nodes. It’s made up of lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, and tiny tubes called lymph vessels. The lymphatic system helps the body get rid of waste products and also fights infection. Lymphoedema can be caused by damage to the lymphatic system. If your arm is swollen, it may limit movement in the joints. Where there’s swelling the skin is stretched and can become dry and flaky and sometimes feel itchy.ĭry, cracked skin increases the risk of cellulitis (a sudden infection of the skin and the tissue underneath it). Some people feel tightness in the arm without the arm appearing swollen. The arm or breast can feel tight when there’s extra fluid in the tissues. heaviness in the arm, breast or chest area.Discomfortĭiscomfort can be an early sign of lymphoedema. However, it’s important to get any swelling assessed by your treatment team as soon as possible. Swelling in the arm or chest area often develops immediately after breast surgery as part of the healing process, and usually settles without any treatment. be worse after strenuous activities or in hot weatherĬlothing (particularly your bra) and jewellery (especially rings and bracelets) may feel much tighter than usual.Symptoms of lymphoedemaĬontact your breast care nurse or treatment team as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms. Lymphoedema is a long-term condition, which means that once it has developed it can be controlled but is unlikely to ever go away completely. Lymphoedema only affects the side of the body that was treated. It can occur as a result of damage to the lymphatic system, for example because of surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes under the arm and surrounding area. Swelling can also affect the breast, chest, shoulder or the area on the back behind the armpit. The swelling commonly affects the arm and can include the hand and fingers. Some people develop lymphoedema after treatment for breast cancer. Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues.
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