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Will radiation aggravate swelling?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008
Question from Janet: I have swelling that comes and goes under my arm after my mastectomy. Will radiation aggravate the swelling?
Answer —Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: Radiation should not aggravate the swelling necessarily. It sounds like you probably have a seroma (fluid buildup). It should probably be pointed out to your surgeon, but the radiation should not make this worse. Eventually, with time, this fluid collection will stop forming when your lymphatic channels have opened and are flowing more easily.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy Updates. Lydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.

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

Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.Lydia Komarnicky, M.D. is a Philadelphia-trained physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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