Oncology skin care
Lymphoedema after breast cancer
Swelling of the arm, breast or flank because lymph fluid cannot drain properly.
What is it?
During breast surgery, lymph nodes in the armpit are often removed or irradiated. Together with the lymph vessels, the lymph nodes drain fluid from the arm, breast and flank. If that drainage works less well, the fluid builds up. This is called lymphoedema.
It can develop straight after treatment, but also months or sometimes years later. Our skin and oedema therapists have a lot of experience with lymphoedema after breast cancer and work together with the hospitals in the region.
First signs
Watch for a heavy, full or tired feeling in the arm, a ring, watch or bracelet that is tighter than before, a mark from your bra strap or a sleeve that stays visible for a long time, an arm, breast or side that looks thicker than the other side, and tight, tense skin. Oedema is easier to treat at an early stage. If you notice anything, contact us; you can come without a referral.
How we treat it
Manual lymph drainage: a gentle massage that directs the fluid to where it can still drain well. Deep Oscillation Therapy: a device that moves the tissue with a gently vibrating field. Compression: a bandage, and later often a made-to-measure elastic stocking or sleeve. Lymph taping: elastic tape that supports drainage. You also receive exercises for at home.
A chronic condition
Lymphoedema does not go away by itself. If you keep up the treatment, wear the sleeve and keep moving, you maintain the result. Together we look at how to fit that into your daily life. Read more about skin care after breast cancer on the breast cancer aftercare page and in our article skin care during and after breast cancer.
How we approach it
Every treatment plan starts with a free 30-minute intake. Your skin therapist examines your skin and discusses what you would like to achieve. We then draw up a treatment plan together. Sometimes one treatment is enough, sometimes we combine two. You also receive advice on caring for your skin at home.
Insurance
Oedema therapy after breast cancer may be covered by your health insurance.
Read more about referral and insurance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you can come to us without a referral. Whether your insurer asks for a referral for reimbursement differs per policy. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
Can lymphoedema still develop years after treatment?
Yes. It can develop straight after surgery or radiotherapy, but also months or years later. So keep watching for the first signs.
Do I have to wear a compression sleeve?
That depends on how severe the oedema is. An elastic arm sleeve or compression bandage is often part of the treatment, so the result is maintained. Your therapist discusses with you what is needed.
How often do I need to come?
That depends on the oedema and how it responds. At the first appointment we make a plan together, and we adjust it as the oedema decreases.
Do you work with the hospital?
Yes. We work with doctors and specialists in the region, including Ziekenhuis Amstelland, the AMC, the VU, the AVL and the Cancer Care Center. With your permission, we coordinate the treatment with your doctor.
What can I do myself?
Keep moving and do the exercises you are given: movement helps lymph fluid drain. Wear the sleeve as agreed and take good care of your skin, because small wounds and infections can make the oedema worse.
Is the treatment covered by insurance?
Oedema therapy after breast cancer may be covered by your health insurance. How much depends on your policy. Read more on the insurance page, and we are happy to work it out with you.
Treatments
Suitable treatments
Which treatment works best for you depends on your skin. These are the treatments we use most often for this concern.
Questions about lymphoedema after breast cancer? We are happy to help.
Book a free intake. We look at your skin and tell you honestly what we can do for you.