[Secondary malignant lymphedema].
The diagnosis of a secondary malignant lymphoedema which is caused by tumor infiltration or tumor compression is a very important sign for an unknown primary, but also for a tumor relapse. It is a big challenge, because it is often associated with a long story of woe, severe pain and a big reduction in mobility. Only an early diagnosis and introduction of a tumor-specific therapy is able to prevent the progress of this disease. As the secondary lymphedema is a chronic progressive disease, the early beginning of the "Complex physical Oedematherapy" is necessary, which consists of a combination of manual lymph drainage, compression by the use of bandages and special stockings for compression, physical training to improve mobility, dermatological care and drug therapy. Lymphedema is a chronic incurable disease. Therefore the therapeutic goal is to reach a stable disease without symptoms, which means reducing the lymphedema to "Stadium 0, latent stage".
Soucek-Hadwiger
Bettina
B
Abteilung für Innere Medizin, Landesklinikum Thermenregion Baden, Osterreich. bettina.soucek-hadwiger@baden.lknoe.at
Döller
Walter
W
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D044584:Carcinoma, Ductal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000628:therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010166:Palliative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*