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Suggest Remedy For Swelling In Arms Due To Lymphedema
My mother had a Modified radical mastectomy which her right breast and some lymph nodes under the arm were removed. She seems she developed lymphedema. Her arm swells up twice the size of her other arm. Is there anything she can do to help keep the swelling down?
Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Lymphedema occurs as a side effect of mastectomy and axillary clearance of lymph nodes.
Conservative measures have to be taken to avoid lymphedema after mastectomy.
These measures include exercise and keeping body weight optimal.
Since, you have already developed lymphedema elevation of arm, using a bandage and an arm pump will help to clear the fluid from arm.
The skin of the affected arm should be taken care of to prevent infection.
The lymphedema cannot be treated but can only be prevented and managed.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Lymphedema occurs as a side effect of mastectomy and axillary clearance of lymph nodes.
Conservative measures have to be taken to avoid lymphedema after mastectomy.
These measures include exercise and keeping body weight optimal.
Since, you have already developed lymphedema elevation of arm, using a bandage and an arm pump will help to clear the fluid from arm.
The skin of the affected arm should be taken care of to prevent infection.
The lymphedema cannot be treated but can only be prevented and managed.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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