Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the chronic swelling or feeling of tightness in the arm or hand due to an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissue of the arm. Lymph node removal is often performed on breast cancer patients as part of their treatment. Many of those patients develop lymphedema.

Click here for an excellent, comprehensive article about lymphedema and its prevention and treatment.The article is from Imaginis,"The Breast Health Resource."

Click here for an article from Artermis, the Johns Hopkins Breast Center e-zine for survivors about a non-surgical technique for determining whether cancer has invaded the lymph nodes. A methodology for determining the spread of breast cancer without surgery of the lymph nodes is important for several reasons. First, it can avoid removal of lymph nodes "just to be sure." Second, it lessens the possibility of contracting lymphedema.