Cancer : Lymphedema: Arm or Leg Swelling, Dental Problems

by National Cancer Institute

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Lymphedema: Arm or Leg Swelling

Lymphedema is a swelling of a part of the body, usually an arm or leg, that is caused by the buildup of lymph fluid. It can be caused by cancer or the treatment of cancer. There are many different types of lymphedema. Some types happen right after surgery, are mild, and don't last long. Other types can occur months or years after cancer treatment and can be quite painful. Lymphedema can also develop after an insect bite, minor injury, or burn.

People who are at risk for lymphedema are those who have had:

Breast cancer—if you had radiation therapy or had your underarm lymph nodes removed. Your risk is even higher if you had radiation in the underarm area after your lymph nodes were removed.

Melanoma of the arms or legs—if you had lymph nodes removed and/or had radiation therapy.

Prostate cancer—if you had surgery or radiation therapy to the whole pelvis.

Cancer of the female or male reproductive organs—if you were treated with surgery to remove lymph nodes or had radiation therapy.

Other cancers that have spread to the lower abdominal area. The pressure from the growing tumor can make it hard for your body to drain fluid.

Getting Help With Lymphedema From Your Doctor or Nurse

Your doctor or nurse may be able to help you find ways to prevent and relieve lymphedema. Ask about:

Ways to keep your skin healthy. It is important to keep your skin clean. You should also keep it moist with lotion.

Exercising to help the body drain the lymph fluid, and what types of exercise you should not do.

Treating lymphedema. He or she may suggest: Keeping the arm or leg raised above your chest. Special massage that can help by moving the lymph fluid from where it has settled. Special bandages and clothing that can help lymph fluid drain. Losing weight.

Finding sources of emotional support to help you cope.

Tips: Preventing or Relieving Lymphedema

Other cancer survivors have found these tips helpful:

• Watch for signs of swelling or infection (redness, pain, heat, fever). Tell your doctor or nurse if your arm or leg is painful or swollen.
• Keep your arm or leg free of cuts, insect bites, or sunburn. Try not to have shots or blood tests done in that area.
• Eat a well-balanced, protein-rich, low-salt diet.
• Keep regular follow-up appointments with your doctor.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on your arm or leg.
• Try not to use that arm or leg to figure out how hot or cold something is—such as bathwater or cooked food. You may be less able to feel hot and cold now.

Problems With Your Mouth or Teeth

Research shows that many people who have been treated for cancer develop problems with their mouth and teeth.

Radiation to the head and neck can cause problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist lining of your mouth; glands that make saliva (spit); and jawbones.

This can cause:

• Dry mouth
• Cavities and other kinds of tooth problems
• Loss or change in sense of taste
• Painful mouth and gums
• Infections in your mouth
• Jaw stiffness or jawbone changes

If you were treated with certain types of chemotherapy, you can also have many of the same problems.

Some problems go away after treatment. Others last a long time, while some may never go away. Some problems may develop months or years after your treatment has ended.

Who has these problems?

• Almost all people who have had radiation therapy to the head and neck
• Most people who have had bone marrow transplants
• About 2 of every 5 people treated with chemotherapy

Getting Help With Your Mouth or Teeth Problems

If you find that these problems persist after cancer treatment ends, talk to your doctor about:

• What may be causing these problems
• Ways to control mouth pain

See your dentist soon after you are done with treatment. Ask about:

• How often you should have checkups
• Ways to take care of your mouth and teeth

Tips: Preventing or Relieving Mouth or Teeth Problem

Keep your mouth moist.

• Drink a lot of water.
• Suck ice chips.
• Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy.
• Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.

Keep your mouth clean.

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If it hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.
• Use a mild fluoride toothpaste (like a children's toothpaste) and a mouthwash without alcohol.
• Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed or hurt, stay away from the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt in one cup of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.
• If you have dentures, clean, brush, and rinse them after meals. Have your dentist check them to make sure they still fit you well.

If your mouth is sore, remember to stay away from:

• Sharp, crunchy foods, like taco chips, that could scrape or cut your mouth
• Foods that are hot, spicy, or high in acid, like citrus fruits and juices, which can irritate your mouth
• Sugary foods, like candy or soda, that could cause cavities
• Toothpicks (they can cut your mouth)
• All tobacco products
• Alcoholic drinks

NOTE:

For ways to make chewing and swallowing less painful, see If You Have Trouble Swallowing.

If you have stiffness in your jaw: Three times a day, open your mouth as far as you can without pain, then close it. Repeat 20 times.

About the Author

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