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A member asked:
Why can't you do venipuncture in the side of mastectomy?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
LymphedemaPrevention: Mastectomies performed for cancer rx usually include removal of some of the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes; this puts one at risk for chronic arm swelling called lymphedema; the more nodes removed, the higher the risk. Therefore, we try to avoid any breaks in the skin (that can lead to infection) or any tourniquets or blood pressure cuffs, which can precipitate swelling.
Answered 4/22/2019
5.4k views
Swelling/infection : During a mastectomy (removal of a breast due to cancer), a lymph node is removed from the armpit on the mastectomy side to be sure the cancer hasn't spread. In the past, removing 20+ nodes was common! because the lymph nodes in the armpit fight infection, it wasn't uncommon for women to develop infections/swelling in that arm. So procedures, including blood draws, are limited to reduce infection.
Answered 4/22/2019
5.4k views
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