03/13/2026
March is Lymphedema Awareness Month.
Here's some Lymphedema education, just so you're aware.....
The lymphatic system is a network of tiny vessels and small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes that carry lymph throughout the body. Lymph is a clear, colorless fluid that contains a few blood cells. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system.
Often during breast cancer treatment, some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm are treated with radiation, or removed with surgery. This disrupts the flow of lymph, which can lead to swelling. This is lymphedema.
When many lymph nodes under the arm have been removed, a woman is at higher risk of lymphedema for the rest of her life. Radiation treatments to the under arm lymph nodes can cause scarring and blockages that further increase the risk of lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur right after surgery or radiation, or months or even years later.
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚:
A mild type of lymphedema can occur within a few days after surgery and usually lasts a short time.
Lymphedema can also occur about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery or radiation and then go away over time.
The most common type of lymphedema is painless and may slowly develop 18 to 24 months or more after surgery. It does not get better without treatment.
Lymphedema can happen any time after surgery or radiation to the lymph nodes. The risk continues for the rest of the person's life. Lymphedema can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Any swelling should be checked by a healthcare provider right away.
There's no way to know who will and won't get lymphedema, but there are things that can be done to help prevent it.
𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝?
Women treated for breast cancer who have good skin care and who exercise after treatment are less likely to develop lymphedema. Newer types of lymph node surgery have also helped decrease lymphedema risk. But there is no sure way to prevent lymphedema.
𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚
The main symptom of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment is swelling of the arm on the side where lymph nodes have been removed. The amount of swelling may vary. Some people may have severe swelling (edema) with the affected arm being several inches larger than the other arm. Others will have a milder form of edema with the affected arm being slightly larger than the other arm.
Other symptoms of lymphedema may include:
Feeling of fullness, heaviness, or tightness in the arm, chest, or armpit area
Bra, clothing, or jewelry don't fit as normal
Aching or new pain in the arm
Trouble bending or moving a joint, such as the fingers, wrist, elbow, or shoulder
Swelling in the hand
Thickening of or changes in the skin
Weakness in the arm
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your healthcare provider right away. Treatment needs to be started right away to keep lymphedema from getting worse. See less