Why is that a person that has had breast cancer should not have their blood pressure taken from that side?

Question

I am a student of an MA program. This discussion came up.. Is it okay for women that have had breast cancer to have their blood pressure taken from the side the cancer was on?

Answer 1

To put it simply, lymphatic fluid will rush in to help the arm if it perceives it to be under attack and then may have difficulty getting out because some or all underarm lymph nodes have been removed. If this happens the arm will swell; this is called lymphoedema and is irreversible, although it can be controlled.

Someone who has had this operation shouldn't allow injections in or blood tests from the affected arm either, and should keep the arm moisturised, wear appropriate gloves when gardening, washing dishes or cleaning cat litter trays. Also try to avoid heavy lifting and clean any cuts, scratches etc to the arm and treat with antiseptic cream as soon as possible. She should also see a doctor immediately if a rash appears on the affected arm.

These precautions are for life; I developed lymphoedema over two years after mastectomy and node clearance.

Answer 2

I have had a sentinell node biopsy and a lumpectumy and am in chemo right now. I have a hight grade cancer that is not estrogen receptive so the chemo is tough. But the answer to your question is. When they remove the tumour before they do that they do a sentinell node biopsy in the armpit area because thats where they will find out if the cancer has travelled so they remove the nodes and a pathologist checks them for cancer. Then they remove the tumour and then the pathologist checks the tumour. So once they have removed the nodes they have in effect changed the drainage system from your glands and this can cause lymphedema, so any pressure, cuts, needles, anything on the side of the sentinell node biopsy could cause lymphedema which makes the arm swell up with fluids that normally leave that area through the nodes, so no nodes, or nodes that have been taken out can cause this problem that's why a person who has had this procedure done should never have any blood removed, blood pressure checks etc. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

the fact is that the person who has been operated for breast cancer should not have blod pressure checked from the arm of the same side.this is because the operation for breast cancer usually involves not only a partial or even complete removal of the breast but also the glands (lymph nodes) in the arm pits (axilla), cause breast cancer usually spread through glands and their drainage and the glands which are usually earliest involved are the ones in the armpits.
However as a consequence of removal of these glands in the armpits, the drainage of lymph (a colourless fluid like blood) from the upper limb of the same side is impaired.
so usually the upper limb on the same side might sometimes appear a bit swollen
this lymph and the glands form a part of the immune system.
so the localised immune system of the upper limb of the same side is relatively weakened.
this is the reason why patients are asked after operation for breast cancer to take extra care for the arm s and hands of the same side,avoid cuts, pricks.. and also avoid bp being measured from the same side as measuring bp involves infation of the tied cuff, which tends to occlude the vessels temporarily.. thats ok for a normal person, but not for a patient who has got her lymphatics removed from her axilla. such people have more risks of ending up with a swollen arm (lymphedema)

Answer 4

because the removal of lymph nodes, we are told that to avoid any type of trauma, cuts, lifting, blood pressure taking, any blood samples etc. from that side could cause lymphedema. An infrequent complication of breast cancer treatment. Lumphedema is caused when too much lymph fluid collects in the tissue. This may happen because of the removal of the lymph nodes

Answer 5

No. Always use the other side if possible. If it has been a double mastectomy, the most accurate is using the finger cuff to measure blood pressure. Likely lymph nodes have been removed on that side which will change the blood pressure reading.

Answer 6

3 years ago, I was diagnosed - hypertension with a reading of 160/100. I used to feel dizzy a lot, my legs had awful cramps, and levels were very low in my potassium, causing my fingers and toes to always cramp together. One day I started to feel really faint while I was driving with my daughter in the back seat and I passed out, hitting 3 cars and ending up in a ditch. That moment,I knew I had to do something because my meds weren't working. I heard about this diet from a friend and thought I'd give it a shot. The results have been remarkable. In just 21 days, I honestly can't remember feeling this good, my blood pressure went from 175/110 to 125/70.

Answer 7

I was told because of the missing lymph-nodes under the arm anything restricting the blood flow is not good. Wearing a wrist watch, carrying a shoulder strapped purse etc. Wise to listen whatever the reason. Told to watch out carrying heavy or achward items. Believe them. After no problems for 2 yrs., I got careless & for a week I was in agony. My arm was so sore. Ok, now, but ouch.

Answer 8

no,blood pressure,no needles on the arm that the breast cancer was on.I know cause i had breast cancer on the r/side now i have it on the left side,plus i have lymodecancer in 85% of my body,they take my blood pressure on my r/calf.

Answer 9

Because they removed lymph nodes when they did a mastectomy, it is possible to develop lymphedemia if pressure is put on that arm. When you get it, you have it.

Answer 10

'cause the doctor said so !