Why does cancer and treatment sometimes cause lymphedema?
Even though other non-cancer conditions can cause lymphedema, it often happens after a treatment that changes your lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Lymphedema does not happen because treatment was not done correctly. The lymphatic system can function at a higher level when your body needs it to do so–but only for a brief period of time. Once the lymphatic system fails to keep up with how much fluid your body needs it to pump, it may not be able to move the fluid where it needs to go in your body. An infection can also cause damage to the lymphatic system. It is very important to protect the body from infection in order for the lymphatics to work as well as they can. Certain types of treatment may bring a greater risk for lymphedema. Talk with your health care team about treatments whether there is a risk for you. Ask what can be done to try to prevent this from happening. Cancer-related procedures that may bring increased risks of developing lymphedema include: • Biopsy: A biopsy is
