Early signs and symptoms

Lymphoedema usually develops gradually, months or even years after cancer treatment.

Early signs include:

a feeling of heaviness, tightness or fullness in the affected arm or leg, or in the neck
swelling (you may notice indentations in the skin from tight clothing, jewellery or shoes)
ache, pain or tension in the affected arm or leg, or in the neck.

These changes may come and go, but if you notice any one of them, you should discuss them with your doctor or Indigenous health worker.

Cancer Australia