What is cancer-related lymphedema?![]()
Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Why it occurs?Breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy can damage some of the nodes and vessels through which the lymph moves. The lymph is the thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the body. It is responsible for removing wastes, bacteria, and other substances from the tissues. When the nodes and vessels through which it flows are damaged, it can overwhelm its remaining pathways, leading to a backup of fluid in the body's tissues. Reducing Your RiskThere's no definite way to tell whether or not you're going to develop lymphedema after your breast cancer treatments. However, you can do the following to help reduce your risk or the severity of your lymphedema if it occurs:
Lymphedema and cancer may be closely associated but this doesn't mean that you automatically get lymphedema after your cancer treatments. Getting informed and being proactive are essential keys to reduce your risk of lymphedema after cancer. Image: liz west Posted by: on 12/22/2017
![]() ![]() ![]() |
October 2019
September 2019
March 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014