Retrospective trial of complete decongestive physical therapy for lower extremity secondary lymphedema in melanoma patients.
BACKGROUND
Melanoma is a malignant tumour of melanocytes, which are found predominantly in skin, and at least 10-45% of patients develop secondary lymphedema (SL).


OBJECTIVE
This study seeks to investigate if individual's lymphatic system can benefit from complete decongestive physical therapy (CDPT) 1 year after discharge from CDPT and consequently endorsing a better quality of life.


METHODS
Male and female(n=12) melanoma survivors 1-4 years post diagnosis with unilateral SL. Questionnaire and limb measurements were used to asses retrospective outcomes.


RESULTS
A significant improvements (p<0.05) has been in the categories of localisation, staging, disability and symptoms of SL.


CONCLUSIONS
CDPT provides relief in signs and symptoms for patients with SL following groyne dissection.
Carmeli
Eli
E
Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. elie@post.tau.ac.il
Bartoletti
Roberto
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires