Which treatments raise a person’s risk for lymphedema?
Although many cancer patients get lymphedema, not all do. It depends on whether lymph nodes must be removed as part of treatment. Patients who take Tamoxifen have elevated risk for lymphedema, along with blood clots and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Radiation treatment can cause scarring on lymph nodes, resulting in interrupted lymphatic flow and increased risk for lymphedema.
