Lymphedema Bra for Truncal Lymphedema
Breast cancer surgery involving mastectomy, lumpectomy or removal of lymph nodes is a cause for lymphedema in the arm or the chest area. In the treatment for lymphedema in this area, it is not practical to use compression bandaging. Hence, a compression garment known as the lymphedema bra is used. Lymphedema occurring due to breast or lung cancer surgery usually affects the chest wall, the breast, the area over the collarbone or the area under the arm. It is known as truncal lymphedema and can also occur due to breast reconstruction after surgical treatment. Studies estimate that over 80% of breast cancer survivors experience truncal lymphedema, yet it remains relatively undiagnosed and untreated.
The symptoms of this condition include a severe pain in the shoulder region and swelling of the chest wall which may appear in the breast itself or under the arm or at the collarbone. There may be a swelling of the back wherein it appears on the side of the surgery as layers of extra fat. Sometimes the arm could also swell. It is very important to reduce the excess fluid in this area and soften the tissues to ease the pain. Daily massage is the best form of treatment for truncal lymphedema since applying compression bandages to these areas is awkward. A therapist performs manual lymph drainage and the patient can also perform self massage. In areas where the patient cannot reach, a caregiver can give a gentle massage.
Bandaging in the chest area may produce a tourniquet effect, blocking the smooth flow of lymphatic fluids and also cause breathing difficulties for the patient. Therefore, special methods of compression are called for in case of truncal lymphedema, and the lymphedema bra, designed to meet these needs came into being. The compression bras are specially made with wide straps, flexibility fitting and a unique underarm design. Women who must use compression bras can keep some of these tips in mind while managing their lymphedema.
- Underwire bras should be avoided as they could be a contributing factor for lymphedema.
- Light-weight prosthesis is ideal as it provides the necessary support and form and does not put pressure on the chest wall.
- Narrow bra straps dig into the shoulders and obstruct the lymph flow. Hence, a compression bra with wide straps and padded for extra comfort may be used.
- Your bra should not feel constricting and should have wide and elastic lower bands. Similarly, tight waistbands on long-line bras should be avoided. Above all the garment should be flexible and be a comfortable fit.
The ‘Compressure Comfort Bra’ is ideally designed to meet a woman’s special needs. It is an alternative to uncomfortable bandaging and can provide the required compression for the affected area. The bra also supports the prosthesis and the breasts. Asymmetry may be commonly seen in women who have had breast cancer surgery, and the compressure comfort bra takes care of the difference in size and shape of the breast. It has adjustable straps, can be worn and removed easily and is extremely comfortable as it is made up of soft material. Other features include the flexibility it affords to take care of the variance in the swelling as the garment is adjustable.
Any lymphedema bra must be adjustable circumferentially and take care of the swollen tissues. The compressure comfort bra does just that and hence is an ideal garment to manage truncal lymphedema. However, individual compression needs differ. The patients should discuss the purchase of a compression bra with their lymphedema therapist so that the appropriate item can be procured to fit the compression needs.
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