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Why is it that after a radical mastectomy the arm near the affected area usually swells?
A mastectomy is the surgical removal of a breast. In a 'radical' mastectomy, the lymph nodes (or glands) in the nearby armpit are also removed as this is where cancer can sometimes spread to..... this causes a disruption of the flow of 'lymph' in the arm causing a back up and the arm swells. Lymph is the remainder of the fluid that has filtered out of the blood to bathe the cells of the arm and usually travels back up the lymphatic system, through the lymph nodes, to mix back into the blood stream near the base of the neck.
If a woman had a radical mastectomy would you expect the arm on that side to be edematous have edema?
yes, cuz lymph nodes help to remove / drain fluid
What to do to relieve arm swelling after a mastectomy?
To relieve arm swelling after a mastectomy, it's important to engage in gentle exercises and stretches as recommended by a healthcare professional to promote lymphatic drainage. Elevating the arm above heart level can also help reduce swelling. Additionally, wearing a compression sleeve may provide support and encourage fluid movement. Always consult your doctor or physical therapist for personalized advice and recommendations.
Can occur in arm on side of lymph node removal and mastectomy?
After lymph node removal and mastectomy, one may experience lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling in the arm on the affected side. This occurs due to the disruption of normal lymphatic drainage, leading to a buildup of lymph fluid. Symptoms can include swelling, discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness in the arm. It's important to manage this condition through physical therapy, compression garments, and other interventions to minimize its impact.
Why cant you draw blood from the same side as a mastectomy?
Drawing blood from the same side as a mastectomy can increase the risk of lymphedema, a condition caused by the removal of lymph nodes during surgery. This can affect the flow of lymphatic fluid and lead to swelling in the arm, making it difficult to draw blood from that side. It is recommended to avoid drawing blood from the affected side to prevent complications.
Why shouldn't blood be drawn from the arm on the side of a mastectomy?
Blood should not be drawn from the arm on the side of a mastectomy because the removal of lymph nodes during the procedure can lead to lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to fluid buildup. Drawing blood from this arm increases the risk of infection, complications, and exacerbation of lymphedema. Additionally, altered circulation and potential damage to blood vessels in the area may further complicate the procedure. It's generally recommended to use the opposite arm for blood draws to ensure patient safety.
If a women had a mastectomy that included the removal of axillary lymph nodes on her left side What can she expect regarding her left arm and why?
After a mastectomy with axillary lymph node removal on the left side, a woman may experience lymphedema in her left arm, which is swelling due to fluid buildup. This can occur because the lymph nodes that helped drain fluid from the arm have been removed. She may also have limited range of motion and increased risk of infection in that arm. Physical therapy and precautions to prevent injury or infection can help manage these issues.
Why can't you use iv in arm of a mastectomy?
Because of vascular flow issues commonly seen with this procedure
If a patient has a PICC line in one arm and a mastectomy on the other side where do you draw blood from?
Why not use the PICC for the blood draw?
Why is the hand enlarged or swollen on the affected side after mastectomy?
Loss of lymph nodes from surgery on the affected side often causes poor drainage from the arm on that side. This is why there can be hand and arm swelling.
What causes decreased arm mobility in a recovering mastectomy patient?
There may be scarring around where the lymph nodes were removed, resulting in decreased arm mobility and requiring more intense physical therapy.
How soon can exercise regimens begin after a mastectomy?
Exercises to maintain shoulder and arm mobility may be prescribed as early as 24 hours after surgery.
