lymphedema risks?

neversurrender

lymphedema risks?

neversurrender

I am having a sentinal node biopsy done when I have my BMX.  Does anyone know what kind of risk SNB carries for lymphedema?

Beesie

The risk of lymphedema from an SNB is approximately 3%.

neversurrender

Thanks Beesie.  I knew you would have the stats

kira66715

The risk varies depending on who is studying it, but between 3-7%.

Kira

Binney4

Neversurrender, any breast surgery involves some risk of lymphedema, even prophylactic mastectomy. The GOOD NEWS is that there are simple life-style changes you can make to reduce your risk. Here are two web pages with risk reduction tips:

http://www.lymphnet.org  (see their Position Papers on Risk Reduction, Air Travel, and Exercise)

http://www.stepup-speakout.org/riskreduction_for_lymphedema.htm

Best bet of all is to get a referral to a well-trained lymphedma therapist even before surgery, for baseline arm measurements for future reference and personalized risk reduction tips and exercises.

Be well!
Binney