Upper extremity lymphedema is a common complication after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer and is one of the main reasons affecting patients’ quality of life after surgery. The incidence of lymphedema is about 20-40%, and older age, obesity, and lymph node metastasis can increase this incidence. Most lymphedema cannot be completely cured, but it can be improved by a number of methods. Methods such as elastic cuffs, compression pumps, exercise, and complex physical therapy. Here are answers to frequently asked questions from patients. How does lymphedema develop? Most of the lymphatic fluid return from the upper extremities passes through the axillary lymph nodes, just like many highways traveling in the same direction all pass through one large toll booth. When the axillary lymph nodes are removed, it is like this toll booth locks up most of the lanes and naturally causes traffic jams. Although there are traffic police to direct the traffic, and although the passage can be partially repaired and vehicles can pass slowly, most of the locked passage will not be opened again, and the blockage becomes the norm for these roads. What to pay attention to in daily care Keep the skin of the affected limb clean and hygienic, avoid mosquito bites and skin trauma, and prevent skin infections. Do not wear watches, rings, etc. on the affected limbs to avoid excessive local squeezing. Patients should not carry out activities such as chopping dumpling filling, playing sweater, rubbing mahjong and other frequent operations, do not hang down the limb for a long time, and can be padded under the arm during sleep to promote reflux. Control your weight, don’t be too obese, control your salt intake, eat less fatty, sweet and greasy food, and eat more water-supportive and swelling-eliminating foods, such as carp, winter melon, corn, red beans, etc. If there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling and fever, you should consult a doctor promptly. How to treat? The simple and easy way is to massage and use elastic cuffs. The massage of lymphedema is not used for general massage with massage, it should be gently rubbed and moved slowly and gently to avoid damage. The direction of massage is from the hands and forearms to the upper arms and armpits. In the shower massage effect may be better, but do not steam sauna Oh, there are studies show that sauna will aggravate lymphedema. Elastic cuffs are also a convenient treatment method, and are worn with moderate pressure. It is appropriate to feel pressure when wearing it, but not painful, and does not affect normal activities. Progressive rehabilitation exercises are also an effective way to treat lymphedema. Patients can develop a comprehensive rehabilitation program in the rehabilitation department, and through the guidance of a physician, use some equipment to perform orderly exercises. When no non-surgical methods can improve severe lymphedema, surgery can also be used to relieve it. However, lymphatic surgery is not yet commonly performed in China, and only a few hospitals in major cities are mature enough to perform lymphatic surgery.