What to do if your armpits swell after breast cancer?

What to do if your armpits swell after breast cancer?

Axillary swelling after breast cancer surgery may be caused by poor local reflux after surgery, or it may be caused by infection, breast cancer metastasis, etc. You can actively exercise under the guidance of a doctor and use medication.

1. Poor reflux:

Since breast cancer surgery removes the axillary venous lymphatic ducts, poor lymphatic return can cause local edema, which manifests as axillary swelling after breast cancer surgery. At this time, you should strengthen the movement of the affected limb under the guidance of a doctor, such as stretching exercises, which will relieve the swelling to a certain extent.

2. Infection:

If local care is not taken after breast cancer surgery, infection may occur, further causing tissue cell damage and swelling, and may also be accompanied by local redness and fever. Amoxicillin, roxithromycin, cephalosporin and other drugs can be used for treatment.

3. Breast cancer metastasis:

Patients with early breast cancer can feel a bean-sized lump in the breast, but it is generally painless, or a few have paroxysmal pain, hidden pain or tingling. Postoperative metastasis may cause axillary swelling due to infiltration of cancer cells. Active targeted treatment can be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly used drugs include tamoxifen citrate tablets, trastuzumab injection, lapatinib and other drugs.

In addition to the common causes mentioned above, there may be other causes such as lymphadenitis. It is recommended to go to the hospital in time for treatment, complete the examination, clarify the cause of the disease, and give targeted treatment or treatment under the guidance of the doctor.