What does Malignant Melanoma have to do with breast edema?
What does malignant melanoma have to do with breast edema? Most of the time, we relate acute breast edema and lymphedema with the complications of breast cancer treatment. Recently I treated a patient who had malignant melanoma of the skin on her elbow requiring surgery and the removal of 12 lymph nodes. Very shortly after her surgery her breast swelled to double the size, became warm and painful. Sure enough, she started with acute edema related to node removal and scar tissue in the armpit, and three months later it has not resolved, so now it falls into the category of lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage and the use of an appropriate truncal compression garment have provided her a world of relief.
Lymphedema therapists understand that all lymphedema starts with edema. In post surgical cases or when the lymph nodes have been suddenly compromised, removed, or radiated, it is obvious that the body is going to need to learn to move lymph fluid in a new pathway. Sometimes it can accommodate quickly, sometimes it can’t. If the congested lymph fluid sits in the vessels too long it will stretch them beyond the elastic point, and the vessels will change size permanently. This creates a reservoir for fluid to accumulate in, but it can’t get out.
So, can we avoid or prevent at least a portion of the 20% to 80% of patients that will have uncomfortable post operative edema that turns into chronic lymphedema? We can help these patients recover more quickly and more comfortably by giving them a product designed specifically to support the breast and chest wall after it has been through these processes. It makes sense to support the tissues before they swell beyond the point of permanent change. It also makes sense to give them something that they can wear as their tissues recover and create new pathways for fluid drainage. This is really needed long past what a post operative cotton bra can provide. The cotton bra is not supportive to the tissues for long and generally it is not a therapeutic pressure. Sports bras are often too tight and/or too stiff and cut/tourniquet at the base of the breasts worsening the edema between the band and the armpit (back, breast under the armpit etc.). A well fitting bra that takes the bodies drainage pathways into consideration will support with even pressure almost to the waist.
Take a closer look at all of your clients who have had trunk surgery and lymph node removal. Consider the clients you service who have had lung cancer, other cancer surgeries, and even the women who have had open heart surgery. With the right compression product, you can help them with the comfort they deserve and possibly help them prevent a potential long term problem.
Lightning 2, LLC