Lymphedema

The lymphatic system is a complex system of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, organs (thymus and spleen), and lymph fluid. The four main functions of the lymphatic system are transport of certain fluids from tissue, absorption of fatty acids from the digestive system, transport of white blood cells (WBCs) from the bone marrow, and assisting with fighting infection during an “immune response”.  A lymph node is a gland that filters bacteria and lymph fluid and contains WBCs.  Lymph nodes are found throughout the body and just in the axilla (armpit) there are about 20-30 lymph nodes.

Yes.  Most people have between 500-700 lymph nodes throughout their body.  Removal of some lymph nodes will not affect your body’s global ability to fight infection.  However, removal of lymph nodes can cause symptoms later on, called lymphedema.

They may be removed from the armpit/axilla.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the soft tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm or leg, occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing (primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary).  Secondary lymphedema is much more common.

The symptoms of lymphedema can sometimes be vague, and may include: a full sensation in the limb, skin feeling tight, decreased flexibility in the hand, wrist or ankle, difficulty fitting into clothing in one specific area, or ring/wristwatch/bracelet tightness.  More severe symptoms can include a rash or cellulitis (redness and warmth) to the limb.

Thankfully, no!  If a patient develops lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, 80% of the time it is within the first 3 years.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “Lymphedema is one of the most poorly understood, relatively underestimated, and least researched complications of cancer or its treatment”.