Lymphedema After Cancer
Early Detection and Prevention
by Berfin Mahmut, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, OnCS
Cancer and its treatments can cause many changes in the body, and some of these changes may lead to side effects. One common concern for many survivors, especially those who have had breast cancer, is lymphedema. Although information and education about lymphedema are still somewhat limited, understanding the condition can make a big difference. With the right knowledge and awareness, lymphedema can often be detected early, and early detection can help prevent or even reverse its progression. In this article, we’ll talk about what lymphedema is, how to recognize it early and what you can do to manage or prevent it.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is accumulation of protein-rich fluid which happens when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked. When it comes to cancer-related lymphedema, the most common causes are lymph node removal during surgery and/or radiation of the lymph nodes. However, having these risk factors doesn’t mean lymphedema will definitely develop, it just means it’s something to be aware of.
Lymphedema vs. Post-surgical swelling
After surgery, it’s common to have some temporary swelling usually around the surgical area. This is part of normal healing and usually improves within a few weeks to a few months. Lymphedema, on the other hand, tends to appear more slowly, often months after surgery. It progresses gradually over time and often starts farther away from the treated area. For example, swelling might start in the hand or forearm for arm lymphedema or in the feet and ankles for leg lymphedema.
As lymphedema progresses, you may begin to notice a feeling of tightness or heaviness in the affected arm or leg. Your clothing or jewelry might start to feel tighter than usual, and you may observe changes in your skin, such as thickening or a firm, heavy sensation in the limb.
Early Diagnosis through Simple Self-Checks
The earlier lymphedema is detected, the easier it is to manage. When identified in its early stages, it can often be reversed with proper care and treatment.
Even before swelling is visible, you may notice a feeling of heaviness or puffiness in the affected area. You may also realize your veins or bony areas look less visible than on the affected side. An easy way to check for this is making a fist with both hands and comparing them side by side. If the knuckles on one hand look less defined, that may be a sign of early swelling. For leg lymphedema, you can look at your ankle bones, and hip bones for swelling in the abdomen. If lymphedema affects the breast, you may feel heaviness in the affected breast and notice the skin becoming dimpled and thickened like an orange skin. This is called the “orange peel” sign.
Lymphedema most often appears within the first 2–3 years after treatment, but it can also develop later. Therefore, staying aware long-term and regular monitoring are important.
Supporting The Lymphatic System Through Healthy Habits
There are some healthy lifestyle habits we can practice to support our lymphatic system and even reduce risk of lymphedema. These include;
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce strain on your lymphatic system
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Exercising regularly, starting slowly with light strength training and gradually increasing intensity
- Avoiding tight clothing and jewelry that can restrict lymph flow
- Keeping your skin healthy: moisturize daily, prevent cuts and infections, and use sunscreen
- Avoiding extreme heat or cold, such as saunas or ice baths
- Using insect repellent to avoid bites and potential infections
The Takeaway
Lymphedema can sound scary, but knowledge truly is power. By understanding the early signs, doing simple self-checks, and adopting healthy habits, you can take charge of your lymphatic health and feel confident in protecting your body.
If you ever notice early symptoms or changes, talk with your healthcare provider or a lymphedema specialist. Early attention can make all the difference in keeping you healthy, comfortable, and in control.
Berfin Mahmut is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a certified lymphedema therapist, and a cancer exercise specialist who specializes in cancer rehabilitation at Mount Sinai in New York, NY.
