Post written by Ramesh Venkatraman
As we saw in part-1, the lymph nodes play an extremely
important role in filtering out harmful bacteria, abnormal/cancerous cells, and
other harmful substances from our bodies. CLICKTO READ PART-1
Usually this biological filter works perfectly but in
certain cases, the lymph nodes can themselves become infected by the very same
bacteria that they trap! A slice-of-life example is when a child has an injury/infection
in the hand and the pediatrician feels the elbow or armpits - he is actually feeling the lymph nodes to see if there is any swelling
and/or tenderness which are usually signs of an infection.
In women the breast is an organ that is richly innervated by
the lymphatic vessels [See illustration showing lymphatic drainage of breast]. It
is because of this rich network of lymphatic vessels that quite often cancer of
the breast spreads quickly to the lymph nodes as well requiring (in some
instances) removal of affected lymph nodes and lymph vessels as well along with
the breast, a procedure called mastectomy.
Image Source: American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org
Removing lymph
nodes and vessels makes it harder for the lymphatic fluid in the region of the breast,
armpit and arm to flow out of this area. If the remaining lymph vessels are
able to compensate and cover for the loss of these lymph vessels then the
drainage of the breast and upper arms continues as before. However if the
remaining lymph vessels cannot drain all of the fluid from these areas, then the
excess fluid builds up and causes swelling of the arm, shoulder etc. This
condition is called lymphedema.
Even if surgical removal
of the breast/lymph nodes is not indicated and the breast cancer is treated
with chemotherapy and radiation it can lead to destruction of certain lymph
nodes/vessels. This may again lead to the same condition called lymphedema.
The swelling in lymphedema can range from mild to severe and may start soon after surgery or radiation treatment. In some women it may begin
months or even years after surgery/therapy. As a general thumb rule women who
have had many lymph nodes removed and women who have had radiation therapy for
breast cancer are at a greater risk of developing lymphedema. There is no cure for lymphedema, but it can be controlled (we will read more in the concluding part of this article).
Symptoms of lymphedema include:
- Swelling in the affected part, usually the arm in case of women who have undergone mastectomy or radiation therapy for breast cancer
- Restricted range of motion in the affected limb along with a general feeling of heaviness
- Numbness and ache
- Recurring infections
- Sometimes there may be a hardening or thickening of the skin in the affected limb.
End of Part-2. In part-3 we will look at some simple tips and home remedies for managing lympedema
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