(no subject)

[Guest guest]

Question:

I would appreciate it if you could explain why you should not have your

blood pressure taken in the arm of your masectomy side.

Answer:

Your question is an important topic that I am pleased to address. The

surgical procedures used for individual women who have breast cancer may be

mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy. Along with the actual breast

surgery

for cancer is the removal of regional lymph nodes and axillary(under the arm)

lymph nodes to be tested for cancer cells. The nodes are examined by a

pathologist to see if the cancer has invaded the lymph nodes. It is the way to

see

if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. I need to explain the

normal function of lymph nodes. Normally, lymphatic fluid circulates through

the lymph vessels, passes through the lymph nodes and enters the bloodstream

near the heart. Lymph nodes filter or catch foreign matter and bacteria. If

the nodes are removed as in breast cancer surgery, the normal drainage is

impaired or causes a reduced capacity to carry the lymph fluid. If there is

pressure on the affected arm with taking a blood pressure, the fluid backs up

and

can cause swelling in the arm called lymphedema. Lymphedema is an accumulation

of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arm of the surgical side.

This condition is painful and is a continuous risk for the development of

infections. Lymphedema can be a normal consequence or side effect of lymph node

removal in breast cancer surgery. Therefore, anyone who has had either a

mastectomy, lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, or modified radical mastectomy in

combination with axillary node dissection should be educated about how to avoid

lymphedema. There are other precautions to take to avoid lymphedema besides

having blood pressure checked only in the unaffected arm. Injections, IV`s, or

blood drawing should never be done in the affected arm. Avoid strenuous

movements with the affected arm such as pulling, pushing or scrubbing. Avoid

heavy

lifting or carrying heavy objects such as suitcases, grocery bags and even

heavy purses. Avoid tight jewelry or elastic bands around affected fingers or

arm. Wear gloves for housework and gardening that might cause a minor injury.

Avoid cutting cuticles of the affected hand. It is recommended that patients

wear a compression sleeve when travelling by air, especially for extended

trips. It is very important that women who are at risk for lymphedema report

any

slight increase of swelling in the arm, hand, finger, neck or chest wall to

her physician immediately. Also, an infection in the affected arm could be the

beginning of lymphedema. Again, see your physician for a rash, blistering,

redness or heat in the arm or hand. Thank you for writing.