title: Lymphedema care for the breast cancer patient: an integrative approach.
abstract: Lymphedema is a serious complication that involves the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial space. Lymphedema is common after treatment for breast cancer, especially for those patients receiving axillary lymph node dissection. Severe lymphedema is associated with serious morbidities such as swelling, fibrosis, decreased function, reduced range of motion, infection, and pain. Here, we discuss a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to effectively manage patients during and after breast cancer therapy. In this approach, patient education and screening are implemented in various departments throughout the health care system, including Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Integrative Medicine, and the Breast Care Center, which houses the Lymphedema Clinic. Early patient education and regular screening are combined with aggressive treatment for overt disease to effectively manage lymphedema in the at-risk population.
authors.affiliation: Integrative Medicine, Beaumont Health System, 3577 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA. Electronic address: gail.elliottpatricolo@beaumont.edu.
authors.forename: Gail Elliott
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Patricolo
authors.affiliation: Integrative Medicine, Beaumont Health System, 3577 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA. Electronic address: karen.armstrong@beaumont.edu.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, Lymphedema Clinic, Beaumont Health System, 3577 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA. Electronic address: jcriutta@beaumont.edu.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Riutta
authors.affiliation: Beaumont Cancer Institute, Beaumont Health System, 3577 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA. Electronic address: thomas.lanni@beaumont.edu.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lanni
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008824:Michigan; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Breast cancer; Integrative medicine; Lymphedema; Rehabilitation