OncoLink Cancer Treatment and Resources
Link to OncoLink

Training to Prevent Lymphedema: Sentinel Node Biopsy

Ultima Vez Modificado: 12 de enero del 2011

Question

Dear OncoLink "Ask The Experts,"

I had a sentinel node biopsy- how high is my risk of lymphedema and would weight training help me?

Answer

Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, cancer rehabilitation researcher at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania, responds:

The risk for lymphedema is linear in relation to the # of nodes removed. That means that one node confers less risk than having 5 nodes removed. Among women who undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy, the risk of lymphedema varies across studies from 2% to 17%. There are a variety of other factors that will contribute to a given woman's individual risk too, such as radiation therapy.
And YES, Weight training would still help you.

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat Series. See the entire transcript: Physical Activity & Lymphedema (PAL) Trial Results with Dr. Kathryn Schmitz,PhD, MPH Webchat.

OncoLink I wish u knew...

Dr. Mao discusses why a patient’s culture plays an important role in treatment decisions. Read more.

Cancer Types
Bone Cancer
Brain Tumors
Breast Cancer
Carcinoid Tumors
Endocrine System Cancers
Gastrointestinal Cancers
Gynecologic Cancers
Head and Neck Cancers
Leukemia
Lung Cancers
Lymphomas
Myelomas
Pediatric Cancers
Penile Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Sarcomas
Skin Cancers
Testicular Cancer
Thyroid Cancer
Urinary Tract Cancers
OncoLink Vet

Cancer Treatment
Biologic Therapy
Bone Marrow Transplants
Chemotherapy

Clinical Trials
Complementary Medicine
Gene Therapy
General Treatment Concerns
Hormone Therapy
PDT Center
Proton Therapy
Radiation Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Targeted Therapies
Vaccine Therapies

Cancer Support
Caregivers
Hospice Care and Bereavement
Nutrition and Cancer
Sexuality & Fertility
Side Effects
Support
Survivorship
Exercise and Cancer

Cancer Resources
Cancer News
OncoLink University
Nurses' Notes
Conferences
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Causes and Prevention
Legal and Financial Information for Patients
LGBT Resources
NCI Resources
Global Resources
Cancer Resource List
Resources for Young Adults

OncoLink Media Library
OncoLink TV
Book, Music and Video Reviews


Ask the Experts
Brown Bag Chat
Tracy's Corner

About OncoLink
About OncoLink
Giving to OncoLink
Contact Information
Usage Policy
Editorial Board
How to Partner with OncoLink
Link to OncoLink
Mission Statement

OncoLink Cancer Resources RSS What's New RSS