scholarly journals Therapeutic Management of Breast Cancer Related Upper Limb Lymphedema

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 367-382
Author(s):  
Andreea GROSU-BULARDA ◽  
◽  
Flavia Francesca LITA ◽  
Adriana SERBAN ◽  
Florin Vlad HODEA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Initial Therapy ◽  
Lymphatic Transport ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Disease Extent ◽  
Secondary Lymphedema ◽  
Structure Changes ◽  
Staging Systems

Lymphedema represents a chronic condition with impaired lymphatic transport, having primary and secondary etiologies. The most common type of secondary lymphedema in western countries is represented by breast cancer related upper limb lymphedema. This condition, once installed, determines limb structure changes, progressive functional impairment, specific complications, consequently impacting the quality of patient’s life. An accurate diagnosis is mandatory, using both clinical and imagistic methods with clear definition disease extent as per standardized staging systems, in order to further provide an adequate therapeutic strategy. The main therapeutic goal in patients with lymphedema is represented by limb volume reduction with subsequent symptoms relief, improving quality of life and avoiding complications such as recurrent infections. Through this paper, we aim to present a comprehensive overview of current therapeutic options of breast cancer upper limb related lymphedema. Therapeutic approach comprises of non-surgical (conservative) therapy, which is mandatory as initial therapy and surgical procedures for selected cases. Most patients with lymphedema benefit from conservative treatment alone. In non-responsive cases, in patients with progressive disease, in late stage complicated lymphedema, and also recently added as prophylactic strategy, surgical treatment, trough recent developed techniques, offer very good results in long-term control of disease. Surgical options are classified firstly in physiologic procedures that aim to create new lymphatic channels, promote physiologic drainage of the lymph and should be considered early in the course of the disease, and secondly ablative procedures that reduce through liposuction or various excision techniques the volume of the affected limb. Both types of techniques can be combined to ensure the best functional outcome of the patient.

scholarly journals Aggravated Primary Lymphedema of Contralateral Upper Limb after the Radical Mastectomy: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Liu ◽  
Weiren Pan ◽  
Jinghong Guan ◽  
Xiao Long
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Trauma Surgery ◽  
Radical Mastectomy ◽  
Axillary Lymph ◽  
Contralateral Limb ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Secondary Lymphedema ◽  
Primary Lymphedema ◽  
Lymphatic Development

Abstract Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is usually characterized by edema of the affected the ipsilateral upper limb and trunk. We report a case of aggravated primary lymphedema in the contralateral limb and trunk after breast cancer resection and axillary lymph node dissection.Case presentation: A 63-year-old female developed right thorax-back and upper limb swelling since childhood. After the modified mastectomy, the swelling of her right chest, back and upper limb increased. While she had no edema of left torso and limb. There was no relevant supplementary examination data because she refused to take lymphoscintigraphy or MRI scan. However, according to her medical history and physical examination, she was preliminarily diagnosed as primary lymphedema, International Society of lymphedema stage 2.Conclusions: Primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema may be both results of the interaction of multiple factors and can be induced or aggravated by trauma, surgery or other reasons besides the abnormal lymphatic development of individuals.

scholarly journals Low-intensity low-frequency magnetotherapy in the early postoperative period in patients with breast cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 233-240
Author(s):  
Inna S. Evstigneeva ◽  
Marina Yu. Gerasimenko
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Early Postoperative Period ◽  
Advanced Technique ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Extended Technique

Background. Rehabilitation of patients after radical treatment of breast cancer is especially relevant due to the fact that successes in diagnostics and treatment of this disease in recent years have led to an increase in the life expectancy of female patients. Aim. to compare the efficiency of various methods of low-frequency low-intensity magnetotherapy in patients operated on for breast cancer, in the early terms (24 days) after surgery. Methods. Objective and instrumental examination was performed in 78 patients after radical surgical treatment of breast cancer in the early stages (24 days) after surgery. All patients received a course of low-frequency low-intensity magnetotherapy. Results. When applying the extended technique (the effect on the segmental-reflex region and upper limb from the side of the surgery), patients noted an improvement in the quality of life, a decrease in swelling of the upper limb, and a decrease in pain syndrome. A decrease in the number of postoperative complications and the duration of lymphorrhea was noted. Conclusion. Thus, the use of various methods of low-frequency low-intensity magnetotherapy is advisable to use in the early terms (24 days) after surgical treatment, however, the use of the advanced technique provides high function capabilities and enables to get a more pronounced and lasting clinical result.

scholarly journals The Impact of Dragon Boating on Fatigue for Breast Cancer Survivors

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Margaret Denny
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background: Fatigue following treatment for breast cancer has a profound impact on quality of life. Dragon boating is known to be beneficial because of its networking and social function. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the effects of dragon boating on fatigue and health related quality of life. Intervention/Methods: Individual and Family Self-Management Theory guided the study. The methodology was a multiple point cohort panel design. Data were collected from breast cancer survivors (n=26) to measure fatigue, quality of life and upper arm functioning at the beginning of the racing season timepoint 1 (T1), midway through the programme, timepoint 2 (T2), and at the end of the dragon boat season, timepoint 3 (T3). Results: Fatigue levels fell significantly between T1and T2 (p<.033) and from T2 to T3 (p<.048). Similarly, upper limb functioning improved from T1 to T2 (p<.002), but showed no significant change between T2 andT3 (p<.58). Fatigue was significantly related to quality of life at each time point. Conclusion: While this was a small scale study, the findings suggest that dragon boating appears to have beneficial effects on well-being including reduction of fatigue, which impacts on health related quality of life for women post breast cancer. Implications for Practice: This study confirms the benefits of dragon boating in upper limb functioning and reduction of fatigue. Health care professionals could advise cancer survivors on the benefits of dragon boating exercise, post cancer treatment.

scholarly journals Economic and Social Aspects of Secondary Lymphedema following Treatment of Breast Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-38
Author(s):  
K. Pitr
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Second Grade ◽  
Family Status ◽  
Rehabilitation Team ◽  
Secondary Lymphedema ◽  
Health Insurance Companies

Introduction The quality of life of female patients who have undergone mentally and physically demanding treatment of cancer is often affected by the emergence of secondary lymphedema. The purpose of our work is to evaluate this complexity not only from an objective but also subjective point of view. Methods Qualitative focusstudy in 18 patients under 60 years of age conducted by way of a structured interview during 2019 at the lymphological workplace. Results The economic burden for patients is on the average CZK 683 per month (about $360 USD per year), the treatment is paid for fully by health insurance companies. Lymphedema is a significant barrier in an occupation, more in women after treatment of the second grade of cancer than the first one. Lymphedema is a bigger obstacle for women with lower education, physically working. Family status does not have a significant effect on the treatment of cancer. Conclusions The study has confirmed the difficulty of treatment ofsecondary lymphedema after the treatment of breast cancer, both from financial and professional points of view. The medical staff should take into account these factors or expand the rehabilitation team and thus ensure better compliance in therapy.

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