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Lymph nodes are part of your body's immune system which helps fight infection
and disease. Lymph nodes are small, round, and clustered (like a bunch of
grapes) throughout your body.
Axillary lymph nodes are in the area under your arm. Breast cancer may spread
to these lymph nodes even when the tumor in the breast is small. This is why
most surgeons take out some of these lymph nodes.
Lymphedema
is a swelling caused by a buildup of
lymph
fluid. You may have this
type of swelling in your arm if your lymph nodes are taken out with surgery or
damaged by radiation therapy. Here are some facts to know:
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Lymphedema can show up soon after surgery. The symptoms are often mild and last
for a short time.
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Lymphedema can show up months or even years after cancer treatment is over.
Often, lymphedema develops after an insect bite, minor injury, or burn on the
arm where your lymph nodes were removed. Sometimes, this can be painful. One
way to reduce the swelling is to work with a doctor who specializes in
rehabilitation or a physical therapist.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
is surgery to remove as few lymph nodes as possible
from under the arm. The surgeon first injects a dye in the breast to see which
lymph nodes the breast tumor drains into. Then, he or she removes these nodes
to see if they have any cancer. If there is no cancer, the surgeon may leave
the other lymph nodes in place. This surgery is new and is under study in
clinical trial
(research studies with people who have cancer). Talk with your
surgeon if you want to learn more.
For ways to find out more about lymphedema, look in "Resources to Learn More."
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