5 Ways To Reduce Breast Swelling and Breast Lymphedema
Breast swelling and lymphedema are common after breast cancer surgery, lymph node removal, and radiation therapy. In this post, you will learn more about what causes breast swelling and how to manage it.
As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I am here to help you resolve your breast swelling and lymphedema.
What Causes Breast Swelling?
Breast and chest swelling occurs after breast surgery, lymph node removal, and radiation therapy, as these treatments can compromise your lymphatic system.
Breast surgery, such as a mastectomy and lumpectomy, can cause local damage to your lymphatic vessels. This damage can not only compromise the lymphatic flow in your arm, but in your breast, chest wall as well. Breast swelling is a normal response to healing after breast surgery, and it typically resolves within 4-6 weeks. However, some women do experience persistent breast swelling as a result of this damage to their lymphatic system.
In addition to surgery, a lymph node biopsy or removal can be another potential cause for breast swelling. This procedure is done to verify if your cancer has spread to your axillary lymph nodes. There are two such types of procedures; a sentiel lymph node biopsy and an axillary lymph node dissection.
A sentiel lymph node biopsy involves removing 1-5 lymph nodes from your armpit (axilla). Whereas, an axillary lymph node dissection involves removing more than 5 of your axillary lymph nodes. Both of these procedures can damage you local lymphatic system, putting you at risk for temporary breast swelling and even lymphedema of the breast.
Finally, radiation therapy is another risk factor for edema of the breast. Due to the inflammatory changes caused by radiation, the tissues in your radiated area may become damaged and hardened (a process known as radiation fibrosis). Fibrosis makes it hard for your lymphatic system to move and filter fluid, which can eventually result in swelling.
In this case, breast swelling will usually peak after the completion of radiation and typically last between 4-6 months. Around the 6-month mark, some women experience a significant reduction in their swelling. While others experience persistent swelling, putting them at further risk for developing breast lymphedema.
Symptoms of Breast Swelling & Lymphedema
If you are at risk of developing breast swelling, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms as early diagnosis is key. Early diagnosis is essential to halting the progression of swelling and preventing secondary complications.
Before any swelling is visible, many women experience numerous symptoms that are indicative of breast swelling and/or lymphedema. These signs and symptoms typically include:
Feelings of heaviness or fullness in the breast
Discomfort or pain in the breast
Clothing or bra fit differently
Hardening of the breast tissue
Orange peel look to the breast tissue
If you have any of these symptoms, it is encouraged that you contact a Certified Lymphedema Therapist promptly for an assessment and guidance.
Management of Breast Swelling & Lymphedema
Breast swelling, or breast lymphedema, can be a challenging aspect of life after breast cancer treatment. While it may not be entirely preventable, there are ways to reduce your risk and manage the condition effectively.
With a Certified Lymphedema Therapist's help, here are 5 ways to lessen breast swelling and successfully manage breast lymphedema.
Compression Therapy
The best way to manage breast swelling is with the use of a compression bra. A compression bra will apply pressure to your swollen area, enhancing the uptake of fluid within your lymphatic system. This increased fluid uptake results in reduced breast swelling.
When it comes to managing breast swelling and lymphedema, it is important to opt for a compression bra that is specifically designed for swelling. Most regular sports bras are not appropriate and can actually cause more swelling.
When you're looking for a compression bra, it should have a few key features. The bra should have thick straps and sit high on the sides, to prevent any fluid from developing right underneath your armpit. The bra should also be snug and sit flat on your skin. Lastly, the bra shouldn't have any underwire, but rather a smooth lower band.
My go-to compression bras are the HuggerPRIMA and HuggerVida from Prairie Wear. These compression bras were designed by breast surgeons and patients to manage post-surgical swelling and breast lymphedema. Over the years, I have tried numerous compression bras with my patients and these are by far the most effective and not to mention comfortable.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage, also known as lymphatic drainage massage, is a great adjunct to compression. Manual lymphatic drainage is a very gentle massage that boosts the efficiency of your lymphatic system. It is performed in a specific sequence using very gentle strokes to move fluid out of a swollen area of the body.
A Certified Lymphedema Therapist can perform this and teach you how to do self manual lymphatic drainage at home. Self lymphatic drainage is an important component in the management of breast swelling and lymphedema.
Targeted Exercises
Exercise also plays a crucial role in managing breast swelling and lymphedema, as exercise stimulates your lymphatic system. When you exercise, your muscles act like a pump, which increases the movement of fluid through your lymphatic vessels. Wearing a compression bra makes exercise even more beneficial.
A Certified Lymphedema Therapist will create a personalized exercise plan to help you reduce your breast swelling and relieve any discomfort.
Deep Abdominal Breathing
Deep abdominal breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, is another component in the management of lymphedema/swelling. When you take a deep belly breath, the pressure surrounding your lymph vessels and nodes within your abdomen increases. This increase in pressure stimulates the return the lymph fluid.
Here’s a video showing you how to perform lymphatic breathing!
Kinesio Tape
Kinesiotape, also known as K-Tape or kinesiology tape, is another way to address breast swelling. When applied to the skin, kinesiotape improves lymphatic flow by gently lifting your skin.
The extra space between your skin and the underlying tissues, creates a pressure gradient. This pressure difference, stimulates fluid to moves into and along your lymphatic vessels, resulting in a reduction in your swelling.
I can help!
If you are experiencing any breast swelling or lymphedema, as Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist specialized in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, I am here to help! I am helped hundreds of women successfully address breast swelling post breast cancer treatments.
Schedule a FREE consultation call with me today so that I can answer your questions and concerns!
I’m committed to helping you live well beyond breast cancer.
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