Blood Pressure Cuffs following lymph node removal bi laterally?

Hi AngelaMM, 

Thanks for getting in touch. I can appreciate your concern about the risk of having blood pressure cuffs applied to your arms following your surgery. 

Lymphoedema is swelling that develops because of a build-up of lymph fluid in the body’s tissues. The lymphatic system usually drains the fluid away. Lymphoedema happens when the lymphatic system is not working properly, or if it is damaged by cancer or cancer treatment. 

Not all people who have lymph node surgery go on to develop lymphoedema and we don’t know why some people do whilst others don’t. Straining the limb or having a skin infection may cause swelling in someone who is at risk of developing lymphoedema. Or it may be that some people’s lymphatic systems don’t work as well as others. 

There are things that can be done to reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema when you’ve had surgery to the lymph nodes in the underarm, such as trying to avoid cuts or grazes that might lead to an infection.   

Whilst people are advised to avoid having blood pressure measured on their affected arm there is not strong evidence that this will cause lymphoedema but doctors think the pressure may damage small vessels in the lymph system that could cause swelling.   

As you are having surgery to both breasts and bilateral SNB and can’t avoid having your blood pressure taken it may help to speak to your Breast Care Nurse to discuss your concerns. 

I hope that this information helps but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have any more questions. 

 Best wishes 

Eileen M 

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.  

Ref: LA