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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Joint swelling - elbow
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Joint swelling - elbow
by Jemina, Sep 25, 2001 12:00AM
I had chemo and radiotherapy following breast cancer lumpectomy ( non lymph nodes affected but 13 were removed).
About 10 days after radiotherapy finished I did a littel swimming - not much - and afterwards there was a littel pain and some swelling ( round like a walnut) in the crick of my arm. It hasn't gone down ( although it was never very big). The pain has gone.
Is this lymphedema starting? Should I worry? Should I stop taking any exercise ? My doctor seems unconcerned but ny granny had lyphedema so I do worry?
Many thanks
About 10 days after radiotherapy finished I did a littel swimming - not much - and afterwards there was a littel pain and some swelling ( round like a walnut) in the crick of my arm. It hasn't gone down ( although it was never very big). The pain has gone.
Is this lymphedema starting? Should I worry? Should I stop taking any exercise ? My doctor seems unconcerned but ny granny had lyphedema so I do worry?
Many thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Sep 26, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Jemina, Lymphedema is an abnormal build-up of fluid that causes swelling in the arm. Lymphedema can develop when lymph nodes are removed. It is a difficult condition to treat once it develops so prevention is the key.
Lymphedema is usually more of a generalized swelling in the arm, so I'm not sure that what you are describing is related to lymphedema.
For more comprehensive information about lymphedema prevention and treatment we have information on our Cleveland Clinic Website. Which is www.clevelandclinic.org once there, click on Health Information Center, then type in lymphedema.
Lymphedema is usually more of a generalized swelling in the arm, so I'm not sure that what you are describing is related to lymphedema.
For more comprehensive information about lymphedema prevention and treatment we have information on our Cleveland Clinic Website. Which is www.clevelandclinic.org once there, click on Health Information Center, then type in lymphedema.
