Blood pressures and veinapuntures should be avoided in those arms. There are different type of surgical procedures used for women who have had breast cancer surgery with a 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. These 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.
Remember 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 can be painful and is a causes a risk for the of infections. Lymphedema can be normal or can be a side effect of having the lymph node removed. Therefore; anyone who has had either a mastectomy, lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, or modified radical mastectomy in combination with axillary node dissection should avoid any risks of having lymphedema.
One way to avoid lymphedema is to have blood pressure checked only in the unaffected arm. Injections, blood pressure checks, IV`s, or blood drawing should never be done in the affected arm. Even strenuous movements with the affected arm such as pulling, pushing or scrubbing, heavy lifting or carrying heavy objects such as suitcases, grocery bags and even heavy purses can cause such.
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