Breast cancer-related lymphoedema: risk factors and treatment.
Lymphoedema is a condition where there is an obstruction of the flow of lymph, partnered with a swelling of the limb. Within the breast cancer arena lymphoedema can occur in the arm where the cancer was/is. The various approaches to treating lymphoedema include skin care, elevation of the affected arm, the use of compression hosiery, multi-layer bandaging, massage (manual lymphatic drainage), or even surgery. This article will discuss the treatments for lymphoedema along with relevant evidence and illustrate current practice.
Harmer
Victoria
V
Breast Care Unit, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Imperial College Healthcare, NHS Trust, London, UK.
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008405:Massage; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D053828:Stockings, Compression