AbstractAim of the study was to assess the effects of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) on the extent of lymphedema of the upper extremity in women post cancer treatment.Study group: 20 women after breast cancer treatment with a mean age of 63.15 years (± 8.15). The group was intentionally divided into 2 groups: patients with lymphedema and patients without lymphedema. The first group (study group, n = 10) consisted of women who received CDT. 70% of them had undergone mastectomy and 30% – breast-conserving surgery. In addition, 60% had received radiotherapy, 70% – chemotherapy and 80% – hormone therapy. The mean post-treatment period was 6.2 ± 3.5 years. Patients in the second group (control group, n = 10) did not receive any anti-edema treatments. 90% of them had undergone mastectomy and 10% – breast-conserving surgery. In addition, 40% of study participants had received adjuvant treatment in the form of radiotherapy, 80% – chemotherapy and 50% – hormone therapy. The mean post-treatment period was 6.3 ± 4.4 years. Method: The extent of lymphedema was measured using a centimeter tape and Limb Volumes Professional 5.0 software.A significant reduction in the extent of lymphedema (p = 0.005) was achieved in the CDT group between baseline and post-treatment assessments. No such reduction, however, was found in the control group (p = 0.33).Complete decongestive therapy is an effective method of treatment of lymphedema in women post breast cancer treatment.
