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Lymphadema

Forums General Melanoma Community Lymphadema

  • Post
    Patinsf94708
    Participant

      Diagnosed with stage 1 b melanoma on right ear on 12/2017. Had wedge resection with sentinel lymph node biopsy one of the lymph node was positive with very few cancer cells. January 23 had lymphadenectomy to remove 10 lymph nodes and a salivary gland since one of the lymph node was attached to it. Final stage 3a 

      Is lymphadema common with this type of procedure? 

      How is this procedure is affecting my immune system in dealing with comon upper respiratory infection and seasonal allergies, which I have? 

       

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        BillB
        Participant

           Hi, I had a CLND ( 35 lymph nodes removed) and parotidectomy in May 2017. I did have lymphadema which finally resolved in February 2018. So far there have been no effects with my immune system fighting off common colds etc. I have not had a common cold etc since the operation.

          Bill

          JuTMSY4
          Participant

            I don't know the numbers, but there is a risk factor for Lymphedema when you have a Lymphadenectomy.  It's usually diagnosed a few months after surgery.  Positing an educated guess, I would imagine that lymphedema is less common in neck dissections because of the location (the fluid would flow down to other nodes during the day).

            Lymphedema isn't terrible, just a pain in the butt, tbh.  

            Atk4life
            Participant
              Hi. I had 17 lymph nodes removed in 2016. Lymphedema didn’t happen until May of 2017 when flying in a plane triggered it. Now in 2018 I have lymphedema in my left breast and left arm. Every person is different. Do not overexert your lymphatic system. The fluid will have not have a place to go. Many people don’t talk about what can happen after lymph nodes are removed but it is extremely common. And is something else you to have to deal with on top of melanoma.
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