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What Causes Swelling In The Legs Post Chemotherapy?

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Posted on Wed, 11 Oct 2017
Question: My wife finished chemo and radiation 4 weeks ago. Within the last 3 weeks her legs have started to swell, developed red splotches above the calf. Below calf entire ankle foot is red. She states that it feels like the skin is burning and is very sensitive to the touch. help please
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consideration

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

I think you should take your wife to her physician as soon as possible for evaluation. Symptoms of swelling and redness of the leg can be a sign of infection or possibly a blood clot.

If there is an infection it can be treated efficiently with good antibiotics. Sometimes this can be treated with an oral antibiotic or occasionally intravenous antibiotics if the infection is more severe.

if a blood clot is suspected, the doctor might request an ultrasound study to confirm this. If a blood clot is found it to be treated with a blood dinner that can be taken by mouth.

since her symptoms are persistent and progressive I think it should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Thank you again for sending the question.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Causes Swelling In The Legs Post Chemotherapy?

Brief Answer: Consideration Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. I think you should take your wife to her physician as soon as possible for evaluation. Symptoms of swelling and redness of the leg can be a sign of infection or possibly a blood clot. If there is an infection it can be treated efficiently with good antibiotics. Sometimes this can be treated with an oral antibiotic or occasionally intravenous antibiotics if the infection is more severe. if a blood clot is suspected, the doctor might request an ultrasound study to confirm this. If a blood clot is found it to be treated with a blood dinner that can be taken by mouth. since her symptoms are persistent and progressive I think it should be evaluated as soon as possible. Thank you again for sending the question. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga