Vaccines and risk of lymphoedema--a case report of a breast cancer patient.

Background: Vaccinations have been linked to lymphoedema but there is no quality scientific evidence to support or refute a causative relationship.

Objective: We report on a case of a breast cancer patient who developed lymphoedema following vaccination in her 'at risk' arm. She had previously undergone mastectomy and axillary clearance but did not have lymphoedema before the vaccinations.

Discussion: The risk of lymphoedema is still present for many years following breast surgery. Patients who are at risk of lymphoedema should be warned to report persistent swelling after vaccination so that they can be referred early for physiotherapy intervention if required.