This is because the arms swell due to a buildup of lymph fluids. Surgeons often remove lymph nodes from under the arm during breast cancer surgery to test for cancer cells. Without the lymph nodes present, fluids don't drain from the arm, resulting in swelling that can cause pain and limited mobility in the arm. Swelling can even continue down the arm, all the way to the hand, which can restrict patients in daily activities. Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas are using physical therapy to help women recover from breast cancer surgery.
Therapists teach patients exercises to restore a full range of motion in the arm and shoulder.
They may monitor patients in daily clinic visits and teach patients exercises they can do at home. Scar tissue is another source of movement problems for post-surgical patients. Stiffening tissue may make it more difficult or painful to move. The problems women face vary based on their condition and what kind of surgery was done. Not all women face the same complications.