Edema and cancer: 8 questions answered
Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissue. It happens when the fluid that would normally stay in the bloodstream leaks out of tiny blood vessels called capillaries, resulting in localized swelling.
It can also be a side effect of cancer and its treatment. But what causes it in this case, and how does it differ from lymphedema? Can anything be done to prevent or treat it?
We went to breast...
Surgical lymphedema treatment: 8 things to know
Lymphedema is a side effect of cancer treatment that can cause swelling in the arms and legs. It happens when lymphatic fluid doesn’t drain...
6 advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
Breast cancer remains one of the two most-common types of cancer in the world, according to the World Health Organization. It’s the fifth-leading...
What is lymphedema? Understanding this common cancer treatment side effect
Lymphedema is a common cancer treatment side effect that can cause swelling in a patient’s arm or leg. It may lead to discomfort, pain and infection. It may make it difficult for patients to find clothes that fit. Lymphedema can also lead to skin infections.
Fortunately, lymphedema can be treated through massage, exercise, bandaging and, in some cases, surgery. We spoke with plastic surgeons Mark Schaverien, M.D., and Ed Chang,...
Lymphedema-relieving surgery keeps triathlete in the race
On Oct. 28, Mary Lindimore crossed the finish line of the IRONMAN Waco 70.3 triathlon. Alongside her was Cheryl Pfennig, the MD Anderson advanced...
Why I waited 10 years to have breast reconstruction
Maybe I’m a late bloomer. After being diagnosed with triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) in August 2007, I had a double mastectomy...
Thyroid cancer survivor finds ways to cope during radioiodine therapy quarantine
Veronika Fitzgerald is still amazed by the events that led up to her papillary thyroid cancer diagnosis.
In the fall of 2015, she began...
Surgical relief from lymphedema
When Paula Bell was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in her left breast in 2007, she had chemotherapy prior to undergoing a mastectomy...
Synovial sarcoma prepared me for my next big adventure
In December 2015, I walked across the stage of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s commencement ceremony with a Bachelor of Science in...
Coping with lymphedema after sarcoma treatment
When I first went away to college after completing synovial sarcoma treatment, I thought I'd be leaving cancer behind me, except for the occasional...