Lymphedema is a swelling, typically of a limb, such as the arm. However, lymphedema can affect the shoulder, neck, hand and fingers, or breast and trunk area. Lymphedema occurs because lymph nodes that have been removed from the axillary area (the armpit) during a lumpectomy or mastectomy have caused the lymphatic system to become unbalanced.
In a sense, lymphedema may be thought of as a plumbing problem -- more fluid is coming into the arm than can leave the arm. Because the fluid builds up in the soft tissues, the affected area (such as the arm) swells.
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