After surgery to remove lymphatic vessels associated with the removal of a melanoma, what condidtion can be expected?

Surgery : At times, lymph node removal may lead to temporary or permanent edema or swelling in an extremity in an individual diagnosed with melanoma.

Lymphedema: After removing lymph nodes from the axilla (armpit) or groin for melanoma, the biggest risk is lymphedema or swelling of the extremity. This is more common in the leg than the arm. It can occur shortly after surgery or years later and prevention involves some lifestyle changes. It can be managed in most cases with physical therapy, massage and compression garments.