Swelling

Swelling, also called edema, happens when fluid builds up in body tissues.

Swelling is a common side effect of many breast cancer treatments:

• surgery
• chemotherapy:
  • Abraxane (chemical name: paclitaxel)
  • methotrexate (brand names: Amethopterin, Mexate, Folex)
• radiation therapy
• hormonal therapy:
  • Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole) 
  • Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane)
  • Femara (chemical name: letrozole)
  • tamoxifen
  • Evista (chemical name: raloxifene)
  • Fareston (chemical name: toremifene)
  • Faslodex (chemical name: fulvestrant)

Other medicines you may be taking during treatment, including pain medications, bisphosphonates (bone-strengthening medications), and steroids also can cause swelling.

Managing swelling

If the swelling is severe, accompanied by pain, or if your arm starts to swell after surgery (which could be a sign of arm lymphedema), talk to your doctor right away. This type of swelling could be a sign of infection or other serious condition and needs to be treated as soon as possible.

If your swelling is mild, try these tips to ease it:

• Elevate the swollen area. If possible, raise the swollen area above your heart. This reduces the flow of fluid into the swollen area.
• Avoid standing for long periods.
• Wear loose clothing so fluids can flow easily out of the swollen area.
• Don’t cross your legs when sitting.
• Avoid salty foods. Salt can make you retain fluid.