The Comprehensive Cancer Center
at Rhode Island, The Miriam and Newport Hospitals
About Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the collection of protein-rich fluid, which causes
swelling of the extremities, trunk, face or abdomen. Lymphedema
most commonly occurs after a patient has breast cancer surgery,
but also occurs after radiation, chemotherapy, pelvic surgery and
lymph node dissection. Lymphedema can be managed with complete decongestive
therapy, which includes specialized massage, compression wrapping
and patient education.
Symptoms of lymphedema include:
- Swelling of extremities, trunk, face or abdomen
- Loss of function of affected area
- Skin of affected area has pink or red hue
- Loss of mobility of affected area
- Pain in affected area
- Infection in affected area
- "Stuffed sausage" feeling (feeling extremely swollen)
- Feeling of heaviness in affected limb
Treating lymphedema
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