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Whenever the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged (often during surgery to remove the lymph nodes), swelling of the arm may occur. Radiation and chemotherapy may also cause swelling of the arm. This swelling of the arm, caused by an abnormal collection of too much fluid, is called lymphedema.
When the lymph nodes under the arm have been removed, a woman is at higher risk of lymphedema. Lymphedema may occur immediately following surgery, or months or years later. Not every woman who has a mastectomy will experience lymphedema.
http://www.methodisthealth.com/health/brst/lymph.htm
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Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms and legs.
Edema occurs when venous or lymphatic vessels or both are impaired. When the impairment is so great that the lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein fluid collects in the tissues of the extremity.
Untreated, this stagnant, protein rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen through the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in various infections.
A chronic inflammatory condition stemming from this accumulation of fluid eventually results in fibrosis (hardening) of the extremity tissues.
Medicare & Major Insurance Carriers recognize the BioCompression Sequential Circulator Lymphedema Pump as Safe and Effective for the Treatment of Lymphedema.
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