What to do if armpit is swollen after breast cancer surgery

What should I do if my armpits are swollen after breast cancer surgery?

Swelling in the armpits after breast cancer surgery may be a normal postoperative phenomenon and generally does not require special treatment. It may also be caused by breast cancer metastasis, which generally requires chemotherapy. It may also be caused by diseases such as lymphadenitis, which can be treated with medication.

1. Normal phenomena after surgery:

After breast cancer surgery, due to the removal of the axillary veins and lymphatic ducts, poor lymphatic return can cause axillary swelling. At this time, limb exercise and local exercise should be strengthened to relieve axillary swelling to a certain extent.

2. Breast cancer metastasis:

Another situation is caused by breast cancer metastasis. Breast cancer metastasis will cause enlarged axillary lymph nodes and swelling of the armpits. If the cancer cells metastasize, anti-tumor treatment should be based on the molecular classification, pathological type, and genetic testing of breast cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, etc.

3. Lymphadenitis:

Lymphadenitis is a disease in which pathogenic bacteria invade the lymph nodes through the lymphatic vessels, causing lymph node inflammation, which leads to swollen lymph nodes. If the axillary lymph nodes are inflamed, it may cause axillary swelling. Broad-spectrum antibiotics can be used to confirm the diagnosis, such as amoxicillin, cephalosporin, levofloxacin, etc.

There may be other reasons for armpit swelling after breast cancer surgery, such as lymphoma. It is recommended to go to the hospital in time, complete the examination, clarify the cause, and receive medical treatment or treatment.