Question

In treating a woman for malignancy in the right breast, the surgeon removes some of the axillary lymph nodes. Following surgery, the woman experiences swelling in the right arm. What is this called? Why does it occur? Which anatomical features are affected? Will it be permanent (why or why not)?

Answer 1

The lymphatics is the part of immune system of the body and lymph nodes are also a part of it.

The swelling of the right arm the woman is experiencing is lymphedema.

The cause of lymphedema is that the lymph vessels may get blocked after the radiation therapy during removal of axillary lymph nodes. The blockage of lymph vessels may cause lymph fluid to collect at the arm.

The anatomical features of lymphatics vessels get affected and gets blocked .The features of arm are distorted the skin thickens and become inflamed with the feeling of heaviness in the arm.

The lymphedema occuring right after the surgery in most of the cases remain permanent because of the permanent disruption of the anatomical features of lymphatic vessels and the blockage.