Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of fluid, often after lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer treatment. While there's no cure, there are many ways to manage it effectively — and starting early makes a big difference.
Here are some key approaches:
- Physical therapy (PT): Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is Show Full Answer
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of fluid, often after lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer treatment. While there's no cure, there are many ways to manage it effectively — and starting early makes a big difference.
Here are some key approaches:
- Physical therapy (PT): Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is a common and effective program that combines massage, stretching, and exercises to reduce swelling and break up hardened tissue
- Compression garments: Sleeves, gloves, bras, or bandages help keep lymphatic fluid moving and reduce swelling
- Manual lymph drainage: A specialist can massage the affected area to help drain excess fluid — and teach you how to do it at home
- Home exercises: Staying active and doing prescribed exercises regularly helps keep symptoms under control
- Surgery: In more serious cases, procedures like lymphovenous bypass or lymph node transplantation may be options worth discussing with your doctor Protecting the affected arm is also really important to prevent flare-ups. Some helpful precautions include:
- Avoiding cuts, bug bites, and sunburn on the affected side
- Not wearing tight jewelry or clothing on that arm
- Using the unaffected arm for blood draws or blood pressure checks
- Keeping skin moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking
A MyBCTeam member shared that catching an infection in the affected area caused their arm to swell to three times its normal size — so protecting against infection is key.
Seeing a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) is strongly recommended. As one MyBCTeam member put it, "Prevention is the key." If you notice any changes in size, color, or feeling in the affected area, let your doctor know right away.
October 18
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