Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate if/how the presence of lymphedema affected the sensation of the upper limb, and to assess whether complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) had a favorable impact on the sensory testings.Methods: A total of 27 patients with unilateral stage 2 breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) were included in the study. Bilateral ultrasonographic (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat thicknesses) and circumferential measurements were peformed at 10 cm distal to the elbow crease. Semmes-Weinstein monofilament (SWM), static and moving two-point discrimination, pressure pain threshold (PPT) and tactile localization tests were also applied at the same site. After their initial evaluation, all patients underwent CDP phase 1 program (five times a week, for three weeks). All the evaluations were repeated at the end of their treatment as well.Results: Before CDP, affected sides had significantly higher values than the unaffected sides in terms of SWM (p<0.001), static (p=0.002) and moving two-point discrimination (p=0.011), PPT (p=0.001), and tactile localization (p<0.001) values. After CDP, SWM (p=0.002), static (p=0.009) and moving two-point discrimination (p=0.024), PPT (p=0.014) and tactile localization (p<0.001) values decreased significantly on the affected sides.Conclusion: BCRL seem to reduce light touch, static and moving two-point discrimination, PPT and tactile localization sensations whereas CDP seems to improve these sensory perceptions in women with BCRL. Of note, ultrasonographic measurements also appear to be promising for prompt and convenient follow up in the management of these patients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04296929Date of registration: March 5, 2020
The results of the intensive phase of complete decongestive therapy and the determination of predictive factors for response to treatment in patients with breast cancer related‐lymphedema
