After mastectomy, why is there tightness around the arm?

Question

Hi doctor,

Before seven months, I had a mastectomy. During which, I had my lymph nodes taken out of my armpit. I had exercises to do, which helped ease the tightness in my arm. Only in the last two weeks or so, I have noticed a tightness in my hand on the same side of the operation. It feels a bit tight and swollen. I have attached a photo. What could this be?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is most probably lymphedema. It occurs as your lymph nodes are taken out, which helps in the drainage of lymph.Are you doing your exercises regularly? This can be prevented by proper exercises that your doctor must have told you. Keep your arm at a height above head so that it gets drained by gravity. Compression bandages can be used. Take a low salt and high protein diet. Do not wear tight clothes, in particular on that side. Usually, it gets relieved by the above methods. If not, then you should see your doctor for proper examination. Thank you and take care. Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. This condition is very common after nodes removal, so most probably it is because of that only. I would suggest you meet a physiotherapist who can help in graded compression bandages and massage therapy to decrease such swelling. I do not think it as cancer growth. Please visit your surgeon who can examine you directly to see for other causes if any. I hope this helps. Thank you and take care. Regards.