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What Causes Abdominal Swelling Inspite Of Having Breast Cancer?
Question: My wife is a ten year breast cancer survivor. She is doing very well with the exception of sever abdominal swelling. Feels like fluid. Could this be due to lymph node destruction during to radiation?
Brief Answer:
She need proper clinical exam & investigations
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
Severe abdominal swelling with fluid like feeling may be due to ascitis(fluid in abdominal cavity) or other reasons.
She need proper clinical examination and investigations.
Firstly,Ultrasound of abdomen should be done to confirm ascitis.Ultrasound is very sensitive in detecting fluid in abdominal cavity.Besides this,it will screen other organs like liver,spleen,pancreas,kidney,pelvic organs etc.
She also need investigations like routine hemogram,RBS(Random blood sugar),LFT(Liver function test),RFT(Renal function test),Urine RE/ME.Further investigations like contrast CT scan of abdomen can be done if needed.
I don't think it is due to past radiation therapy.
You should consult surgeon.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
She need proper clinical exam & investigations
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM
Severe abdominal swelling with fluid like feeling may be due to ascitis(fluid in abdominal cavity) or other reasons.
She need proper clinical examination and investigations.
Firstly,Ultrasound of abdomen should be done to confirm ascitis.Ultrasound is very sensitive in detecting fluid in abdominal cavity.Besides this,it will screen other organs like liver,spleen,pancreas,kidney,pelvic organs etc.
She also need investigations like routine hemogram,RBS(Random blood sugar),LFT(Liver function test),RFT(Renal function test),Urine RE/ME.Further investigations like contrast CT scan of abdomen can be done if needed.
I don't think it is due to past radiation therapy.
You should consult surgeon.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The lymph nodes on her chest were radiated. What are the long term side affects of this? The lymph nodes on her neck were also radiated. Can that cause memory loss as a long term side affect?
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX
Thanks for writing back
Irradiated of lymph nodes are among treatment modalities of breast cancer management.It clears residual tumour cells from lymph nodes.These are given in highly targeted areas and there is no long term side effects in doses given for breast cancer.
In heavy doses,it can cause fibrosis.
Memory loss is not its long term side affect.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Please find detail answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX
Thanks for writing back
Irradiated of lymph nodes are among treatment modalities of breast cancer management.It clears residual tumour cells from lymph nodes.These are given in highly targeted areas and there is no long term side effects in doses given for breast cancer.
In heavy doses,it can cause fibrosis.
Memory loss is not its long term side affect.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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