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Acupuncture OK if no signs of lymphedema?

Page last modified on: October 2, 2008

Question from CorinnaL: Is it ok to get acupuncture needles in the arm of someone whose lymph nodes have been removed if there are no symptoms of lymphedema?: Answer —Raymond Chang, M.D.: I do not advise that. Even very small nicks sometimes can cause dramatic infections in the limb that has no lymph node. The infection can move very quickly. Although infections due to acupuncture overall are rare, we've all seen patients who have done nothing but maybe go to the nail salon and had a cut in the cuticle. They didn't even know there was any injury, but next thing they know, the whole thing is infected. This is especially bad when on chemo.

We do not advocate needles in the arm of lymph node dissection.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Traditional Chinese Medicine. Raymond Chang, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman Dupree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about how to discuss Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with your cancer doctor.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Raymond Chang, M.D. is an internationally respected physician-acupuncturist uniquely trained in traditional Chinese medicine as well as contemporary Western medicine, and he is an acknowledged pioneer-specialist in integrative programs for cancer, infertility, and other difficult-to-treat conditions.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. the medical director of the Breast Health Program at Holy Redeemer Health System in Meadowbrook, PA.

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