There are ways to manage the different types of side effects of breast cancer treatment so that you can live the best life possible. We continue our series about the different kinds of side effects and advice from experts about how they can be managed.
This month, we focus on chronic (long-lasting) lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling, pain, and/or fullness of the arm or chest caused by fluid build-up. Some kinds of breast cancer treatments—including those for early-stage breast cancer such as surgery and radiation—can cause lymphedema, which can persist after treatment for early-stage breast cancer is complete. can develop months or years after treatments, can be difficult to treat, and can be long-lasting. For this reason, you may experience lymphedema while living with MBC.
Side effect management is an active area of study in clinical trials. Enrolling in a clinical trial that is studying better ways to prevent or reduce side effects may help you have a higher quality of life and may help people in the future.
Visit the links below for expert suggestions of ways to address lymphedema and for clinical trials that are studying ways to manage side effects.
Ways to Manage Lymphedema
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Dr. Michele Manahan describes who may develop lymphedema and treatments for it
- Mayo Clinic (video): Dr. Antonio Forte and Dr. Sarah McLaughlin explain what lymphedema is and one way to treat it
- Saint Louis University Hospital (video): Dr. Theresa Schwartz discusses the development and management of lymphedema following breast cancer treatment
MBC Clinical Trials
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Lymphedema
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Managing Side Effects
Last Modified on May 1, 2025