Possible Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery
Possible Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery
What is Breast Cancer?
The term breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. The breast is composed of two main types of tissues: glandular tissues and stromal (supporting) tissues. Glandular tissues house the milk-producing glands (lobules) and the ducts (the milk passages) while stromal tissues include fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. The breast is also made up of lymphatic tissue-immune system tissue that removes cellular fluids and waste.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. In fact, when it first develops, breast cancer may cause no symptoms at all.
But as the cancer grows, it can cause these changes:
1. A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
2. A change in the size or shape of the breast.
3. Discharge from the nipple.
4. A change in the color or texture of the skin of the breast or areola (such as dimpling, puckering, or scaliness).
Complications of Breast Cancer Surgery
Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs when a clear fluid known as lymphatic fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run through your body. Lymph vessels collect a fluid that is made up of protein, water, fats, and wastes from the cells of the body. Lymph vessels carry this fluid to your lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes filter waste materials and foreign products, and then return the fluid to your blood. If your vessels or nodes become damaged or are missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the system. The fluids can then build up and cause swelling, known as lymphedema, in the affected arms or legs.
What are the symptoms?
If you have lymphedema, you may not develop symptoms immediately. Sometimes symptoms occur 15 or more years following an injury to your lymphatic system. When symptoms eventually occur, they can include:
* Aching, weakness, redness, heaviness, or tightness in one of your limbs,
* Less flexibility in your wrist or ankle and
* Tight-fitting rings or shoes.
What causes lymphedema?
The most common causes of secondary lymphedema are surgery or radiation treatment for certain types of cancer, such as breast and testicular cancers. Other causes of lymphedema include surgery on the blood vessels in your limbs or other surgical procedures, like liposuction, as well as burns.
How is lymphedema treated?
If you are at risk for developing lymphedema, you can act to prevent it. Initially, if you have mild lymphedema, you can act to keep the condition from worsening.
* Clean your affected limb regularly. Remember to dry it thoroughly and apply lotion * Wear gloves while gardening and cooking
* If you shave the affected area, use an electric razor
* Don't go barefoot
* Do not cross your legs when you sit and
* Do not carry a handbag with your affected arm.
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