Breast Cancer and Lymphedema: What to Watch For and What Helps
Lymphedema is swelling that happens when lymph fluid can't drain normally. After breast cancer, it most often affects the arm on the side of surgery, but it can also show up in the hand, breast, chest, armpit or back.
It happens because surgery and radiation can remove or scar the lymph nodes under the arm that drain that area. Estimates vary, but roughly 1 in 5 people treated for breast cancer develop arm lymphedema. The risk is higher after more lymph nodes are removed (axillary dissection) than after a sentinel node biopsy, and higher with radiation, infection or extra weight. It can appear within months or years after treatment.
Early signs
Catching lymphedema early makes it easier to control. Tell your doctor or therapist if you notice:
A heavy, full or tight feeling in your arm, hand, breast or chest
Rings, a watch or a shirt sleeve feeling tighter on one side
Tingling, aching or stiffness in the arm or shoulder
Skin that stays dented after you press on it
Veins on the back of your hand that are harder to see
Call your doctor right away if the area becomes red, warm or painful, or you have a fever. These can be signs of cellulitis, an infection that needs prompt treatment. Sudden, severe swelling also needs to be checked quickly.
Compression items that help
Compression is one of the main tools for keeping lymphedema under control. What you need depends on where the swelling is:
Arm: ready-to-wear or custom arm sleeve, or a sleeve with a built-in gauntlet (Jobst, Juzo, medi, Sigvaris)
Hand: a gauntlet, which covers the hand with fingers free, or a glove with or without fingertips (Jobst, Juzo, medi, Sigvaris)
Breast, chest and back: a compression bra or vest, with chip or foam pads for firm areas (Jobst, Sigvaris, Juzo, medi)
At night: a soft, low-stretch night garment or adjustable wrap (Jobst JoViPak, medi Circaid, Sigvaris, Juzo, L&R TributeNight)
Daily wear: donning gloves, donning aids and garment wash (Juzo, medi, Sigvaris)
If swelling keeps coming back even with garments, your doctor may prescribe a home compression pump. BioCompression pumps offer arm sleeves with shoulder and chest coverage for breast cancer–related lymphedema.
Get fitted by a professional
Compression for lymphedema should be prescribed by your doctor and fitted by a trained professional. The wrong size or pressure can make swelling worse. Most daytime garments are worn while you're up and active; wear night garments only if your therapist recommends them.
At Midwest Compression, a Certified Compression Therapist measures and fits you in Richland, MI, serving patients from Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and Lansing. We work with your oncology team or lymphedema therapist on the prescription and check your benefits before anything is ordered. Call (800) 883-1549 or text (517) 657-5223, or read how to care for your compression garments.
Helpful resources
This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or lymphedema therapist about your care.
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