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Lymphedema risk from acupuncture?

Page last modified on: October 16, 2008

Question from Piks: Can you please address the issue of lymphedema risk from acupuncture anywhere in the affected quadrant(s)? Thank you!: Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: The risk of lymphedema following an axillary node dissection is a risk that is present for life. Any stress on the lymphatic system could potentially initiate what I call a "cascade effect" where a previously asymptomatic arm could become affected by lymphatic channel blockage, otherwise known as lymphedema. In my patients who have had an axillary node dissection, I have them refrain from using acupuncture with needles as a modality of treatment. I prefer that they use vibrational acupuncture techniques on that affected arm. This is what I would call a "relative contraindication," not an absolute contraindication. I prefer to avoid any type of breakage in the skin surface in an arm that has had a level 1 and level 2 axillary lymph node dissection. In patients who have had only a sentinel node biopsy, I will discuss with them on a case-by-case basis whether I feel acupuncture with needles would be appropriate.

On Wednesday, March 21, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Complementary Medicine Techniques. Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about different types of complementary techniques and how they can help during and after breast cancer treatment.

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

Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D. is an associate professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Cohen is conducting a number of studies to find out how complementary techniques such as meditation, stress management, emotional writing, yoga, and music therapy might be able to improve patients' quality of life during cancer treatment.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon with a focus in breast cancer care and the CEO and medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County, PA.