Why does lymphedema occur in some women after breast cancer?

Extensive: Nodal sampling + axillary radiation are most prone, but either can do this alone, and sometimes it happens without either.

Armpit Dissection: Surgery for breast cancer requires checking the lymph nodes in the armpit for cancer. Dissection of the lymph nodes interrupts the lymph channels. The more interrupted the channels get, the more chance for lymphedema.

Lymph node dissectio: The removal of lymph nodes from the axilla will cause blockage of lymphatic flow and accumulation of lymph in the arms causing lymphedema.

Fluid build up: After the lynph channels are injured causes this problem. It is a byproduct of the node removal. The lymph channels carry fluid that leaks from blood vessels back to the heart. When injured by surgery or radiation they don't grow back. The fluid has more difficult path to return, and swelling can occur. The more of them are injured the more the chance of swelling.

Several variables: 1) type of surgery 2) sentinel node or full axillary node dissection. 3) radiation therapy used. Hope this helps.

Lymphedema: Surgery is the most common reason for lymphedema in the us. It happens in breast cancer patients do to removal of lymphatic tissue and scarring in that area. Other contributory factors are problems with lymphatic flow that are unique to that person but are highlighted when surgery is performed and disturbs the tissues around the lymphatics or removes them completely.