Breast Cancer and Lymphedema (cont.)
What Can I Do If I Already Have Lymphedema?
To help decrease the risk of further swelling, continue
following the recommendations for preventing lymphedema listed above. In addition:
- Avoid extreme temperature
changes. Do not use hot tubs, whirlpools, saunas or steam baths. Use warm, rather than very hot, water when bathing or washing
dishes. Always wear sun protection (at least SPF 15) when going outdoors.
- When traveling by air, ask your healthcare
provider if you should wear a compression sleeve on your affected arm or a stocking on your affected leg. For long flights,
additional bandages may be needed. Talk to your healthcare provider before traveling.
- When sitting or sleeping, elevate
your affected arm or leg on pillows. Avoid prolonged lying on your affected side.
- Your physician may refer you to an
occupational therapist who specializes in managing lymphedema. The therapist will assess your condition and develop an individual
treatment plan to manage your lymphedema.
- Therapy may include specific exercises or a complete exercise program, limitation of
certain activities that are vigorous or repetitive, and recommendations for a compression sleeve, bandages, manual lymph drainage
and possibly a pump.
- Continue to see your health-care provider for frequent follow-up visits, as recommended.
What Is The Outlook?
Lymphedema cannot be cured. However, with proper care and treatment, the affected
limb can be restored to a normal size and shape. In addition, lymphedema can be treated and controlled so that it does not progress
further.
If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to increased swelling and a hardening of the tissue, resulting in decreased
function and mobility in the affected limb. It can also lead to chronic infections and other illnesses.
It is important to
receive treatment promptly if you recognize symptoms of lymphedema.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, February 2004.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 4:22:28 AM
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