This condition is known as lymphadema. After surgical removal of chain lymph nodes has occurred, the excess of lymph fluids in the lymph vessels might not find its way to the bloodstream as a result of being blocked or other reasons, and hence localized swelling in that area occurs as a result of addition of the fluids. In most cases, lymphadema affects only a single arm or leg, and is commonly brought on by cancer treatment that involves damging or removing lymph nodes.