title: Diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.
abstract: Lymphedema is a distressing consequence of breast cancer treatment affecting the patient in all domains of quality of life. Early identification and diagnosis are key to preventing long-term consequences. The goal of lymphedema management is to slow the progression and provide symptomatic relief to maintain quality of life. Preoperative education, intensive postoperative follow-up, and long-term survivorship care are important to minimize risk factors for developing lymphedema and to provide a mechanism for early detection, treatment, and patient self-care. An interdisciplinary approach, including nutritionists, physical therapists, psychologists, and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), is essential to provide a patient-centered approach to the management of lymphedema. APRNs are critical in providing comprehensive assessments, ongoing follow-up care, and patient education in self-care strategies.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Oncology department, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McCaulley
authors.affiliation: Louis B. Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life
keywords: interdisciplinary; lymphedema; patient-centered; quality of life