CAN ANOTHER BREAST SURGERY MAKE MILK LYMPHEDEMA WORSE?

Options
2001
2001 Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Lymphedema

i have mild lymphedema in my right hand...in the hand span part of my hand.  It just developed after a skin sparing/.nipple sparing mastectomy.  11 years ago I had lumpectomy and 8 nodes removed.  I guess during this skin/nipple sparing mastectomy they cut into the lymjphatics and that is what caused mild lymphedema.  What if I need future breast surgery on tha side, will it cause lymphedema to get worse?  Or does it depend on if they are doing surgery on lymph nodes/vessels?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited March 2012

    2001--Sorry you've joined the "swell sorority"

    I sounds like the mastectomy damaged the lymphatic system, that already had suffered an insult. 

    Do you have an LE therapist? 

    Any surgery in the "quadrant"--chest/arm/shoulder/upper back has the potential to disrupt the lymphatic system to that quadrant. But it's not a given that further surgery will make things worse--the best bet, IMO, is to work with your LE therapist to control your mild hand LE, and prevent any progression of it.

    Did that help at all?

    Kira

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories