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What Causes Severe Muscle Cramps In The Arm After Breast Cancer Surgery?
Question: My aunt has undergone quadrantectomy + axillary dissection for early stage breast cancer T2N0M0 3 months back. She is at present undergoing chemotheraphy but experiencing a muscle cramp kind of formation in her operated arm. She is doing expercises to avoid lymphedema.
Please see the attached images and advise on whether this can be a symptoms of lymphedema? She has pain when that portion is pressed.
Please see the attached images and advise on whether this can be a symptoms of lymphedema? She has pain when that portion is pressed.
Brief Answer:
It may not be lymphedema
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Lymphedema means swelling of the arm due to fluid accumulation. Pain is not a principal symptom of lymphedema. From the pictures I don't see much swelling. So I don't think it is significant lymphedema. Mild form may be there.
Pain is quite common after surgery. It is usually due to tissue damage in surgery. It is not much worrisome. Should subside gradually with time.
If pain persists, then consult her surgeon again.
Hope this helps.
Regards
It may not be lymphedema
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Lymphedema means swelling of the arm due to fluid accumulation. Pain is not a principal symptom of lymphedema. From the pictures I don't see much swelling. So I don't think it is significant lymphedema. Mild form may be there.
Pain is quite common after surgery. It is usually due to tissue damage in surgery. It is not much worrisome. Should subside gradually with time.
If pain persists, then consult her surgeon again.
Hope this helps.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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