What is post mastectomy arm swelling?
A woman with post mastectomy arm swelling has swelling of the arm that occurs after lymph nodes in the armpit are removed. During mastectomy, the lymph glands are removed from the armpit, because they may contain breast cancer cells. Once the lymph glands are removed, lymph fluid is not emptied from the arm. In turn, post mastectomy arm swelling is caused by the buildup of lymph in the arm after surgery. About 3 to 10 percent of women who undergo mastectomy develop post mastectomy arm swelling.

What are the symptoms of post mastectomy arm swelling?
Symptoms that occur with post mastectomy arm swelling may include arm pain or arm tenderness.

How does the doctor treat post mastectomy arm swelling?
Treatment for post mastectomy arm swelling includes arm elevation, physical therapy, an elastic support stocking, and a low salt diet.