1-2 years are considered a standard time for the onset of lymphedema after complex treatment of breast cancer. Although in some cases it might appear in 5 or even 10 years.
Several factors might provoke a late swelling onset:
- Repeated erysipelas.
It severely damages the lymph vessels left and affects the drainage. This moment becomes the beginning of the disease.
- Post radio fibrosis.
Dense fibrous tissues may continuously compress drainage pathways and promote edema.
- Long-time air flight.
- Trauma.
- Insect bite.
- Excessive physical exercises. From sport to big clean-up.
What are the symptoms:
- gradual or sudden increase in extremity size,
- pain,
- discomfort,
- traces of rubber bands left on the skin.
Two ways to prevent lymphedema:
General.
Mild physical exercises, usage of special creams, wearing compression garments during flights or sport. Regular follow-up with a doctor.
Specific.
There are groups of risk: history of surgical treatment of breast or cervical cancer, removed lymph nodes, excessive body weight, and history of radiotherapy with no consequent breast reconstruction.
In these cases, lymphatic system tests should be performed. In 40% of these patients there are obvious signs of lymphedema shown on fluorescent lymphography but with no swelling of the limb yet.
That’s when preventive lymphovenous anastomoses or lymph node transplantation is indicated. This is the only type of specific prophylaxis and it is a part of my BRANT concept, aimed to preserve breasts and successfully manage lymphedema.