Post-breast cancer lymphedema: part 2.
As breast cancer survivors often say, lymphedema is more than just a swollen arm. A result of surgical or radiologic breast cancer treatment, it's an abnormal accumulation of lymph in the arm, shoulder, breast, or thoracic area that usually develops within three years of a breast cancer diagnosis but can occur much later. In Part 1 (July) the authors described the pathophysiology and diagnosis of lymphedema. In Part 2 they discuss current approaches to risk reduction, treatment and management of the condition, and implications for nurses.
Fu
Mei R
MR
New York University College of Nursing, New York City, USA. mf67@nyu.edu
Ridner
Sheila H
SH
Armer
Jane
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods