There could be a breakthrough in the fight against breast
cancer. A new device may help diagnose a common condition after
having breast cancer surgery before it becomes a major problem.
Lymph is a clear fluid that drains from the body's tissues and
organs. It contains mostly protein and infection-fighting blood
cells and it is filtered through lymph nodes. A swelling called
lymphedema can happen if surgery or radiation treatment affects
the lymph nodes and vessels. While it's not life-threatening, it
can have a major impact on your quality of life. Mirtha
Richardson is a breast cancer survivor. She underwent a
mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation earlier this year. "The
emotional roller coaster was unbelievable. But I did well post-
operatively. I did very well," Richardson said. However, in the
months and even years after surgery, patients like Richardson
still have to worry about developing a condition called
lymphedema. Fluid builds up in the arm after lymph nodes are
removed, which restricts motion and c