Lymphedema General Info

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema refers to the swelling caused by the buildup of lymph fluid that is normally drained through the body’s lymphatic system. While it most commonly affects the arms and legs, it can also occur in the chest wall, breast, armpit, trunk, and back. Lymphedema can be caused by cancer treatments that remove or damage the lymph nodes such as mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node surgery, and radiation.

Signs and symptoms of lymphedema may include:

• A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the affected area.
• Changes in the appearance or texture of the skin such as itching, rash, tightness, redness, or hardening.
• A feeling of achiness, discomfort, tingling, and increased warmth in the affected area.
• Shooting pain sensations, or pins and needles.
• Swelling or puffiness in your arm, hand, chest, or breast with a temporary indentation of the skin when you press on it (pitting edema).
• Fever or flu-like symptoms.

If you experience severe and sudden swelling, be sure to see your doctor right away. This could be a sign of an infection, blood clot, or cancer affecting the lymphatic system.

Board-Certified Surgeon

MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS

Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.

More About Dr. Ley

Lymphedema Treatment Options

There are several lymphedema treatment options to help reduce swelling and prevent complications.

Dry Brushing for Lymphatic Drainage

Dry brushing involves rubbing a brush with natural fiber bristles over the skin in particular patterns. Benefits can include stimulating the lymphatic system, removing toxins, and exfoliating the skin. It is called dry brushing because it must be performed on dry skin. To perform dry brushing, use a handheld, natural bristle brush of medium firmness to perform quick, firm strokes on your feet, legs, thighs, forearms, upper arms, and belly.

Self-Lymphatic Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage technique that moves lymph fluid from a swollen area back into the lymphatic vessels. You can see a lymphatic massage specialist or perform self-lymphatic massage at home.

Compression garments

Patients benefit from using lymphedema sleeves or compression tank tops to treat lymphedema. We recommend Lymphedivas and Lymphedema Products LLC. Talk to your team about how to measure a garment.

Pumps for Lymphedema

Pneumatic pumps are used to treat lymphedema. These include the use of padded inflatable sleeves or stockings that are attached to a pneumatic lump to reduce swelling and boost lymph flow. Some patients may qualify to have a pump and this may be covered by insurance.

“The level of care is excellent.”

Dr. Ley helped me through the first round of BC in 2017 with kindness, compassion and expertise! I had absolutely no reservations when trusting her for a 2021 and now for the 3rd time I can’t imagine going through this without her. She is a lion when it comes to fighting for you, calls you personally even though she has to be the busiest Dr. and mother I know. She’s considerate of your needs, fears and concerns and never lets you go it alone. Can’t say enough good!

I have no words to express my gratitude for Dr. Ley! I was diagnosed Feb. 2020 and Dr. Ley besides being the best in her field and doing an amazing job on my double mastectomy she was even able to save my nipples. She is also a remarkable human being, patient, kind very clear in explaining everything and making you feel heard and safe in her hands. I 100% recommend her and her very helpful, kind and amazing team! If you have recently been diagnosed this is the team you want to have your back!

Dr. Ley is extremely good at explaining your breast cancer, treatment options, and everything she is going to do. She is a masterful surgeon and uses plastic techniques to close incisions, leaving minimal scarring. In addition, she is warm, pleasant, and a lovely person. I am so happy that I found her based on a friend’s recommendation. I can’t say enough about her and the practice’s excellent care.

Lymphedema Therapy Resources

There are many wonderful lymphedema therapy professionals in the Tucson, AZ area. For a full list of lymphedema therapy resources, please contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists today.

Contact Us Today

For more information regarding lymphedema, dry brushing, self-lymphatic massage, pumps for lymphedema, or lymphedema therapy resources, please contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists today.

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