Who is at risk of secondary lymphedema related to breast cancer and why?
Anyone treated for breast cancer may be at risk of developing secondary lymphedema. Breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy and other treatments are required to remove or destroy lymph tissue or nodes that may be cancerous. When lymph tissue or nodes are removed or damaged, the lymphatic system is often unable to work as well as it did prior to the treatment. Lymph fluid may be unable to drain effectively from the affected area. If the excess fluid builds up it can lead to a condition known as secondary lymphedema.
