For instance, a bacterial or fungal infection or another disease involving the lymphatic system may cause this problem. Sometimes lymphedema is not related to cancer or its treatment. The risk of lymphedema increases with the number of lymph nodes and lymph vessels removed or damaged during cancer treatment or biopsies. Radiation therapy or other causes of inflammation or scarring in the lymph nodes and lymph vesselsīlockage of the lymph nodes and/or lymph vessels by the cancer For example, surgery for breast cancer often involves removing 1 or more lymph nodes under the arm to check for cancer. Surgery in which lymph nodes were removed. The most common causes of lymphedema in cancer survivors include: Lymphedema can be a long-term side effect of some cancer treatments. Because swelling is sometimes a sign of cancer, it is also important to see your doctor to be sure that the cancer has not come back. You will need to learn how to manage the symptoms so they do not get worse. If you develop any symptoms of lymphedema, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. Other times, lymphedema may begin more suddenly. Sometimes the only symptoms may be heaviness or aching in an arm or leg. Symptoms of lymphedema may begin slowly and are not always easy to detect. Nasal congestion or long-lasting middle ear pain, if swelling is severe Thickening and scarring of the skin on the neck and face, called fibrosisĭecreased vision because of swollen eyelidsĭifficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathingĭrooling or loss of food from the mouth while eating Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, neck, or area below the chinĭiscomfort or tightness in any of the affected areasĭifficulty moving the neck, jaw, or shoulders Symptoms of head and neck lymphedema include: Skin that may look like an orange peel (swollen with small indentations) Hardened skin, or skin that does not indent when pressed Rings, watches, or clothes that become too tight People with lymphedema in their arm or leg may have the following symptoms: Lymphedema can occur in people with many types of cancers, including: But it can also happen in the neck, face, mouth, abdomen, groin, or other parts of the body. Or, it may occur months or even years after cancer treatment has ended. Most often, lymphedema affects the arms and legs. Lymphedema may develop immediately after surgery or radiation therapy. But when the lymph nodes are removed or damaged, lymphatic fluid collects in the surrounding tissues and makes them swell. Small glands called lymph nodes filter bacteria and other harmful substances out of this fluid. Lymph travels through the body using a network of thin tubes called vessels. Lymph may also be called lymphatic fluid. Lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells. The lymphatic system helps fight infection and other diseases by carrying lymph throughout the body. Lymphedema is the abnormal buildup of fluid in soft tissue due to a blockage in the lymphatic system.
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