Breast Oedema

Breast lymphoedema can occur secondary to breast cancer treatment and is caused by a disruption of lymphatic flow to the breast or axilla (armpit). It can occur after surgery, radiotherapy or a recurrent cancer.

Breast lymphoedema can present as swelling and pain to the breast and hardening of the tissues. Skin changes may be present, including redness, discolouration and sometimes the development of ‘peau d’orange’ (an orange peel texture) due to fibrosis and trapped lymph fluid.

There are several risk factors which increase the incidence of developing breast oedema, these include:

Seroma (a collection of fluid close to the scar line requiring repeated drainage)
Post-operative infection
Obesity
A marked reaction to radiotherapy
Position of the scar- vertical is more likely to develop lymphoedema than horizontal
Cording- development of cords on the chest wall/axilla after surgery.

Treatment can involve:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Simple Lymphatic Drainage- a self massage technique
Medical Taping
Skincare – keeping skin well moisturized to prevent breaks in skin
Lymphatic Exercises – to increase muscle pump activity (drainage of tissues) and reduce swelling
Correct bra fitting to offer support to the swollen breast

For assessment and a prescribed treatment talk to a Lymphoedema Therapist.

For information about the Ministry of Health Breast Prosthesis Subsidy, click here

For a list of Registered Bra Providers throughout New Zealand, click here.

Useful Contacts

Breast Prosthesis Subsidy
Ministry of Health website

Registered Bra Providers
Auckland
Maree Louise Under Fashions: 113 Great South Rd Papakura, Auckland, ph. (09) 298 0999

NaturalWear: 118 Symonds St, Royal Oak, ph. (09) 624 3718

Breast Care Products: 311 Manukau Rd,Epsom and 12 Silverdale St, Silverdale, ph 0800 264 822

Hamilton
NaturalWear: Angelsea Clinic, Gate 3, 56 Tristram St, Hamilton ph. 07 849 5588

Mid-Central District
Your Top Drawer - Lingerie on Coleman: 8 Coleman Pl, Palmerston North. Phone Sarah Emmert on 06 3593278 for a discrete appointment at the shop or in your own home if required. Sarah offers options from different suppliers and is passionate about fulfilling the needs of local prosthesis ladies.

Naturalwear:Christine Brady visits once a month, and fittings are done at the Cancer Society, Addis House, 135 Ruahine Street Palmerston North ph. 06 3565355

Undercover Secrets: Christine Vendt is happy to arrange a fitting either at the Cancer Society or in your own home throughout the lower North Island ph. 0800 272 748 (0800 BRAS 4 U)

Wellington
Naturalwear: They are also stockists/fitters of the Sigvaris range of compression garments. Will also do doppler tests ph.04 389 1611.

Lorraine's Fashion and Lingerie: 140 Riddiford St, Newtown ph. 04389 9820

Kirkcaldie & Stains Ltd: 165-177 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central ph. 04 472 5899 or visit their website for more information.

Lyn's Lingerie: 45 Treadwell St, Naenae ph. 04 567 1578

Undercover Secrets: 20 Seaview Rd, Paraparaumu Beach ph. 04 902 4272

Prosthesis and Garment Suppliers/Wellington
Orthotics Centre (Wellington) Ltd, 3-5 George St, Thorndon ph. 04 815 8058 or email info@orthotics.co.nz or visit their website for more information.

Christchurch
U Fit In: 197A Fendalton Road, ph. (03) 351 9244

Ballantynes Department Store: City Mall, ph. (03) 379 7400

Lingerie on Barrington: Barrington Mall, ph. (03) 337 6609

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