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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Lymph node removal
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.
Lymph node removal
by Shahworld, Aug 30, 2005 12:00AM
After removal of lymph node from under right arm.
1) What are the precautions needs to be taken after removal of same? & For how much time need to be taken?
2) Can not take injection on that hand or measure BP ?
3) What are the side effects of it?
4) Is it necessary/mandatory same if minor [1.5 cm] micro-calcification [Duct Carcinoma Cell] found in right brest & not in lymph?
Thanks.
1) What are the precautions needs to be taken after removal of same? & For how much time need to be taken?
2) Can not take injection on that hand or measure BP ?
3) What are the side effects of it?
4) Is it necessary/mandatory same if minor [1.5 cm] micro-calcification [Duct Carcinoma Cell] found in right brest & not in lymph?
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 31, 2005 12:00AM
Dear shahworld: The care following removal of lymph nodes depends upon the exact type of surgery and the recommendations of that surgeon. A sample of lymph nodes is recommended if there is any invasive component to the the breast cancer. Whether an axillary lymph node dissection is needed depends upon the characteristics of the tumor and whether there are any positive nodes (if a sentinel node biopsy was done first). If an axillary lymph node dissection is done, precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of injury to that arm (no blood pressure or injections) in order to reduce the risk of lymphedema or infection.
Member Comments (2)
by japdip, Aug 30, 2005 12:00AM
To: shahworld
There are definitely precautions to take after lymph node removal. You might check a lymphedema site .... just put the word lymphedema in "search". The precautions are life long (unfortunately) and you are right... no injections, no B/P, no burns, no cuts and many others. The consequences are a swelling of the arm / hand, or both that requires treatment and is never completely cured ..... only managed. There are books available on the subject and as I stated above, the internet can supply you with tons of information. Educate yourself ..... it's worth the time and effort.
