My Mom developed lymphedema 15 years after breast cancer, could this mean the cancer has returned?

Question

She saw her physician who ordered a chest x-ray and is sending her to a physical therapist. Are there more tests she should have to rule out the chance of the cancer returning?

Answer 1

The overall incidence of lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer is 25 percent, although this varies depending upon the extent of surgery, the time elapsed since surgery, and whether radiation therapy was used. Generally, patients who undergo more extensive surgery, have many lymph nodes removed, or have radiation therapy to the axilla after surgery are more likely to develop lymphedema. Most women who develop lymphedema do so within four years after their operation.

Patients that develop lymphedema many years after surgery or lymphedema that is increasing should be evaluated for a possible recurrence of the breast cancer.

She should maybe get another mammogram or MRI, or ultrasound.

Answer 2

Hi Jenni, I answered your other question, I think you have alot of questions and worries. Lymphedema can come from a tumor or recurrent cancer but that's not always the case. I'm a cancer survivor who has lymphedema, (see your other question) and I would say the tests your mom needs are:

1. ultrasound on the area left if she had a lumpectomy, and possibly examine higher up nearer to the collar bone (clavicle) area with ultrasound as well to check out the tissues.

2. The chest xray

3. blood workup

4. a pet scan, pet scans are the most valuable because they are full body and show anywhere where the cancer could be lurking or starting.

I think probably your mom had the genetic tendency towards lymphedema, then had the surgery, and then there was some trauma, something so slight she wouldn't even think about it that could have triggered the lymph. My lymphedema came out 5 years past cancer, and I don't have a recurrance. I think mine came from repetitive motion on the typewriter/keyboard, and I do swell more when I'm online, I have to wear a sleeve.

Please reassure your mom that therapy is wonderful. I was terribly swollen and a mess but after therapy and being compliant, you have to be compliant and do what they tell you to do, my arm is 99% normal all the time. I do not wear night garments but elevate with a pillow, and I don't wear day sleeves all the time either, only when I'm online or doing a repetitive task or lifting. Your mom has a good chance of turning out like me.

I wish her luck and please check your other post, I will be in my support group chatroom tomorrow night to talk, if you or she wants to come in.

Answer 3

Lymphedema can occur immediately, years later, or may never occur after having a breast cancer surgery. She did the right thing by following up with her physician with the onset of lymphedema. While yes, it can be the sign of metastisis, it may also have nothing to do with any active cancer. Once lymph nodes have been removed from the upper extremity, the limb become less efficient at removing wastes and proteins from the tissues. Sometimes, an incident such as a traumatic injury, an infected hang nail, riding in an aircraft is enough to trigger a reaction to which the inefficient lymphatic system is unable to keep up. This results in the onset of lymphedema.

The chest x-ray is definetely a good place to start, but if she has any further symptoms (rapid weight loss, night sweats unrelated to menopause, unexplained pain) she should relate this to the physician at which point further tests might be required.

Answer 4

The nature of the surgery for breast cancer involves excision of some of the lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit). Thus lymphedema is quite common. Recurrence of cancer more than 5 years after surgery is uncommon, and a recurrence 15 years after surgery is unheard of although all things are possible. The weight of evidence favors a distant result of the surgery and it is extremely unlikely that the cancer has returned. Other than yearly mammography there are no other tests that should be done if the xray and physical examination are normal.

Answer 5

Let the Dr. do his thing, he's the one who knows what he's doing. I can imagine why you might be nervous. Once in a persons life time is enough, Yet I suspect you are worrying needlessly. If the Dr. thought there was a problem he would send her for tests be sure of that. Wish her a Merry Christmas, Okay.

Answer 6

I had a radical mastectomy in 1986 and another in 1988.
I have lymphadema problems in various parts of my body.
The swelling comes and goes according to several factors;
over-activity with hands and arms, hot weather, laying on one side or the other too much.
None of this necessarily signals the return of cancer.
However, your mom is smart to see her doctor and theraist in order to rule out anything serious and also to help her manage the adema and keep herself as comfortable as possible.
She's earned it! God bless her.

Answer 7

Just listen to the docter. He has more to say. Most likley, it hasnt come back. If so..Im VERY sorry. God Bless You And Your family.