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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
swollen left arm, lumpectamy of right side
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.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 21, 2006 12:00AM
Dear desertbitch: Lymphedema can occur when there is damage to the lymph nodes that drain a part of the body. For example, lymph node damage in the Right arm pit could cause lymphedema in the right arm. Removing the lymph nodes in the right arm is unlikely to cause lymphedema in the left arm. Lymphedema can rarely occur for other reasons. You should see your doctor if the arm is swollen, there could be many possible explanations but it needs to be examined in order to assist in determining the cause and recommended treatment.
