Lymphedema: the silent side effect of cancer

Did you know there is a condition that stems from cancer that specifically attacks lymph nodes? 

Such a condition is known as Lymphedema, the build-up of lymph fluid that causes swelling. Any cancer that affects the lymph system, such as breast, prostate, and lymphoma, can cause lymphedema. Certain cancer treatments can also cause an increased risk of developing lymphedema. Your overall risk for lymphedema depends on the type and location of your cancer and the treatments you have. 

Risk factors outside of cancer include infection, healing slowly after surgery, having lymph nodes removed, past surgeries or radiation, having advanced cancer, as well as being overweight. New research points to a higher risk of lymphedema among minorities with low socioeconomic status. 

Lymphedema primarily affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system and helps maintain the correct balance of fluids in the body, transports immune cells and nutrients, and filters out germs and waste. 

“There’s not much awareness about the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the vascular system, and most people don’t realize that we have a lymphatic system until we develop a problem,” said Hari Kashyap, OT, PhD. Kashyap specializes in cancer rehabilitation at the Georgia Cancer Center. 

“I honestly did not know anything about lymphedema, I was just in shock of everything going on,” said Naomi Nieves, a patient of Dr. Kashyap who dealt with breast cancer that led to lymphedema. Although this was daunting and unfamiliar, she didn’t want it to stop her from taking care of her children. “I’m a very determined person. I mean, I was so stubborn that I told him, I know I only have one breast, but I want to breastfeed. I breastfed my other kids, I want to breastfeed my twins.” 

Having determination like Nieves is integral in the fight against cancer. She remained motivated and did the recommended exercises and compressions to adhere to the treatment process. Although there is no current cure for lymphedema, there are things that can be done to treat it. 

“I think it’s always advisable to request a consultation and see your lymphedema therapist either before or immediately after surgery,” said Dr. Kashyap. 

Specialized lymphedema therapists can teach you about techniques and equipment that can help reduce lymphedema swelling. Such treatments include exercises, manual lymph drainage, compression bandages, compression garments, and sequential pneumatic compression. 

Advances in cancer surgery are also helping reduce the chances of lymphedema. For example, sentinel lymph node biopsy allows doctors to remove fewer lymph nodes when checking if the cancer is spreading, in turn decreasing the risk of developing lymphedema. 

“They look at the surrounding lymph nodes to the tumor because the fluid is draining into them. So, if the cancer cells are found in them, they know that cancer is spreading out into those lymph nodes,” said Dr. Kashyap. 

As there is no cure yet, major medical advances are being made regarding Lymphedema. If you would like to learn more about Lymphedema, check out the latest episode of A Cancer Conversation.