Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Why it occurs?

1. Discuss lymphedema with your provider before your treatment 
Many women with cancer-related lymphedema are usually caught by surprise with their diagnosis. It's because in most cases, lymphedema is not discussed as part of the treatment process.  
 
Although you can't control the extent of your cancer treatment and its side effects, discussing lymphedema with your healthcare provider can help you prepare for what's coming.  
 

2. Ask if sentinel lymph node biopsy can be an option 
The more underarm lymph nodes are removed, the greater is your risk of developing lymphedema. So ask your surgeon if sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be an option. In contrast with the axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), which takes out many lymph nodes, SLNB only removes two to four lymph nodes.  
 

3. Schedule an appointment with a physical therapist 
Prior to surgery, see a physical therapist. He/she can record baseline measurements around your arm/hand, assess your activity level, and teach you flexibility and stretching exercises that can improve your arm's range of motion after surgery. These exercises can also be helpful in preventing stiffness. Getting your arm moving before surgery and in the weeks after can help reducing your risk of lymphedema.