Lymphoedema of the arm is one of the major after-effects of breast surgery and one of the most invalidating infirmities. Previously, it was very frequent since axillary lymphadenectomy was believed to be therapeutic (which it is not). It is now less frequent (about 7% of cases) thanks to techniques which preserve the connective tissue around the nodes.
One of the major therapeutic differences (concerning lymphoedema) has been a thorough study of the invasion of axillary nodes and the setting up of the sentinel node technique which avoids this invalidating complication, at least for women who have no positive nodes.
In the same manner, radiotherapy of the axillary armpit (in relation to positive nodes) has been largely discussed since its efficiency is not validated and since radiotherapy is an aggravating factor for the occurrence of lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema will generalise to the whole arm reaching the hand which can become monstrously deformed.
Lymphoedema is often complicated by skin infection (either due to a minimal local trauma or without any clear reason) noticeably a streptococcic erysipela, necessitating antibiotics.
Treatment is generally limited to lymph drainages, either manual drainages or mechanical drainage, with, during treatment intervals, the wearing of a draining muff which is very unpleasant for patients.
The only efficient treatment is to take all preventive measures.