Lymphedema Frequently Asked Questions

Questions from OncoLink visitors regarding lymphedema risk and treatment.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema Prevention Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," If a person were treated for breast cancer four years ago andhad taken every precaution to avoid lymphedema, but recently had her blood pressure taken multiple times on the arm that was on the same side as the cancer, how much would that increase her risk for lymph edema, and when would it start showing up? Does
Is there a test for lymphedema? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Are there any diagnostics that can be done to better define (or stage) lymphedema for more specific treatment recommendations? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:A physician knowledgeable in the clinical practice of lymphedema management most
Staging System for Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Is there a staging system for lymphedema?Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:The International Society of Lymphology has established a staging system for persons with lymphedema. For persons with lymphedema of the limbs, the following stages
Cellulitis in the Presence of Lymphedema? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," After having right axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiation concluding in January for local recurrent melanoma, I developed lymphedema and what they believe is cellulitis. It took me probably 2-3 weeks to finally get my arm evaluated. I'm seeing a lymphedema therapist now and I've been bandaging my arm
Self-Care for the Person with Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I developed lymphedema after a hysterectomy, with lymph node dissection 1 year ago. What are the precautions I should be taking in caring for my swollen leg? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:Lymphedema education consists of daily attention
How do I Find a Certified Lymphedema Therapist? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," My physician has recommended treatment from a lymphedema specialist. How can I make sure the person is qualified? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor, responds:Lymphedema can be effectively treated by certified lymphedema therapists (CLT). Certified
Recurrent Cellulitic Infections and Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've had lymphedema for 7 years, following removal of a tumor in the right axilla. I've had recurring cellulitis and was hospitalized last month. Is it true that each episode of cellulitis makes the lymphedema worse? I've had MLD in the past, but according to my insurance company, I've exhausted therapy coverage for
Advocacy for Lymphedema Insurance Coverage Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I've had lymphedema for 7 years, following removal of a tumor in the right axilla. I've had recurring cellulitis and was hospitalized last month. I've had manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in the past, but according to my insurance company, I've exhausted therapy coverage for my arm. Also, I wear a compression sleeve
Lymphedema Alert Bracelets Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I just read the inquiry about using a bracelet to alert caregivers about not using the surgical arm. For several years, I have been distributing alert bracelets to patients at our medical center. The bracelet we use is acceptable in the OR, whereas the National Lymphedema Network bracelet probably is not. They are
Lymphedema Therapies During or After Cellulitis Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I have question about compression garment usage. I am currently treating cellulitis of an arm that has lymphedema and was told by my massage person that she could not do any lymphatic massage until a month after this clears up. Is this the same advice for wrapping and using a compression sleeve and gauntlet? Also,
Lower Extremity Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Can you tell me the current data on the incidence of lymphedema in the legs and genitals following surgery, external and internal radiation and chemotherapy for uterine cancer? Is there good documentation? Linda McGrath Boyle PT, DPT CLT-LANA, Cancer Rehab Specialist and OncoLink Lymphedema Team Editor,
Body Mass Index and Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Does a person’s weight affect risk for lymphedema? Carolyn Vachani RN, MSN, AOCN, OncoLink's Nurse Educator, responds: Body mass index is a number used to evaluate weight. (BMI calculator) Researchers have seen that a BMI greater than 25 increases the risk of developing lymphedema, and also increases the risk
Shoulder Problems and Lymphedema Risk Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Having had left mastectomy and lymph node dissection 12 years ago, I understand I will always have a risk of lymphedema in my left arm. After several months of left shoulder pain and decreasing range of motion, an MRI showed some fluid in the bursa and my Orthopedics Doctor diagnosed “impingement
Lymphedema and air travel Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Two years ago I had a masectomy and a sentinal node biopsy which removed 7 lymph nodes. I am planning a trip in a few months and will be on a plane for 20 hours. Does this trip increase my chances of lyphedema? Are there any precautions I should take? Lora Packel MS, PT, Coordinator of Cancer Therapy
Breast reconstruction after lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a bi-lateral mastectomy July 2002, the left side was cancerous, right side done for prophylactic reasons. Lymph nodes were removed on the left side only. I recently developed lymphedema. I see a therapist 3 times a week for exercise and massage. I exercise and massage at home and have bandages, and will
Lymphedema after cervical cancer treatment Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 1998 and subsequently underwent a radical hysterectomy followed by cautionary radiation therapy. I now live with Lymphedema. I currently use a mechanical pump sleeve device; but it offers very little relief and I am still extremely limited in my mobility. Any
Lymphedema and Leg Weakness Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had cervical cancer in 1996 resulting in a radical hysterectomy and radiation treatment. The lymph nodes were also removed. I am experiencing weakness in one leg that will give out without warning or pain. Can lymphedema cause this weakness? I do have slight swelling but keep it at bay with exercise. Should I
Risk of Lymphedema with TAH/BSO & Lymphadenectomy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the risk of lymphedema following a complete lymphadenectomy accompanying TAH BSO? How well documented, prospectively, is the occurrence of lymphedema in this patient population? Christina S. Chu, MD, Assistant Professor of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania Health System,
Occurrence and Recommended Treatment of Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask the Experts," I had a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingioopherectomy, pelvic and peri-aotic lymph node dissection last year for left low malignant potential ovarian tumor. About 3 months after surgery I realized my left calf and ankle were enlarged. Ultrasound was negative for blood clot. My surgeon says
Lower Extremity Lymphedema & Melanoma Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," What is the likelihood of developing lymphedema following a dissection of the external lymph nodes of the groin area for treatment of Stage III melanoma? Is lower extremity lymphedema more common or worse than arm lymphedema? Of the percentage of patients who develop lower extremity lymphedema after such a
Compression Sleeve Use with Lymphedema Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," Do I need to wear my compression sleeve (for arm lymphedema) when flying? Is it ok to lift with the affected arm as I was told not to lift more than 10 lbs and read somewhere that lifting is o.k. Andrea Richtel-Baranas, MSE, MPT, Lead Therapist at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania,
Training to Prevent Lymphedema: Starting Slow? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I was not very active before my breast cancer diagnosis. I want to try to help myself now. Is there a way to "start slow"? Or...is there an exercise program you recommend? Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, Cancer Rehabilitation Researcher at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania,
Training to Prevent Lymphedema with a PT? Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had surgery (including lymph node dissection) and radiation for breast cancer 8 years ago. I am doing great, but always worry about developing lymphedema. Is it too late for me to prevent it through weight training? And can I start training with the help of a personal trainer or do I have to see a PT?
Training to Prevent Lymphedema: Sentinel Node Biopsy Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts," I had a sentinel node biopsy- how high is my risk of lymphedema and would weight training help me?Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, cancer rehabilitation researcher at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds: The risk for lymphedema is linear in relation to the # of nodes removed. That means
Is Massage Ok With Lymphedema? I have lymphedema in my leg after cervical cancer treatment. A friend bought me a gift certificate for a massage. Can I do that? Andrea Richtel-Branas, MSE, MPT, Lead Therapist, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, responds: Relax and enjoy your gift. While you should avoid deep tissue massage in the leg and trunk that has lymphedema, you can have it
Reducing Risk Of Lymphedema? Can I prevent lymphedema after breast cancer treatment with complementary therapies? Andrea Richtel-Branas, MSE, MPT, Lead Therapist, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, responds: The best way to prevent lymphedema is to minimize your risk for getting lymphedema. Minimizing your risk involves good skin care, avoiding limb constriction, activity
See a PT After Surgery to Prevent Lymphedema? Should I see a physical therapist after cancer surgery to prevent lymphedema? Andrea Richtel-Branas, MSE, MPT, Lead Therapist, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, responds: A physical therapist can help to educate you on your risk for lymphedema. At this time we do not know how to prevent lymphedema - but we do know ways to minimize your risk.
Risks of developing Lymphodema Question My doctor told me I am at risk to get lymphedema because of them taking out so many lymph nodes in my neck, how can I prevent myself from getting this? Answer Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN OncoLink Nurse Educator at Penn Medicine, responds: Unfortunately, although there are some things that can be done to reduce one's risk, there is no