Lymphedma or something else? No pain but swollen

Kadia

This may be a stupid question, but I am concerned. I am 3 weeks post-UMX and 2 months post-sentinel node biopsy, and seem to have either swelling or prominent tissue on the outside of the removed breast and below the underarm where the nodes were removed.

How would I know the difference between swollen/prominent tissue and lymphedema? I assume lymphedema can present in areas other than the arm or hand (was reading another thread here about breast lymphedema, which made me wonder if that was what was happening to me).

The swollen looking areas are not painful, but they are noticeably larger and "puffier" than on my other (non-MX) side. Can lymphedema present without pain or even discomfort?

rianne2580

Dear Kadia,

I am not exactly sure, but I have puffiness under my arm and next to the removed breast. It has shrunk considerably since my surgery on March 29, 2011. I think it is tissue or fluid from the surgery. Some women have more than others. Have you heard of "dog ears?" That's flabby skin left over from surgery. I message mine every day and push it around, gently, to smooth it out. My PT told me to do this. It is going away and I'm seeing a nice flat surface. I did not have recon. I believe LE is somewhat painful and I think you would know it. I have  not had any signs of LE, thank God.

Kadia

Thanks, rianne2580. I had not heard of dog ears, but that sounds about right. I'll ask my PS this week, but wanted to be informed myself.

kira66715

Kadia, Truncal and breast LE are not always painful--here's a link to information about it:

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

When in doubt, it's worth seeing a LE therapist for a full evaluation.

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

Kira 

Kadia

Thanks, kira--good info and advice.

Kicks

When were your drains taken out? Sounds to me more likkely to be a seroma than LE. Call your surgeon - dealt with with it about a week after last drain was taken out 4 weeks post surgery.



I deal with fairly significant LE and have never had pain involved.

Kadia

drains came out 1 week ago. I see my PS Wednesday so will discuss with him then...thanks.