Article ; Online: Integrated Treatment of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: A Descriptive Review of the State of the Art.
2021 Volume 41, Issue 7, Page(s) 3233–3246
Abstract: Background/aim: Upper limb breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic and severe condition affecting a significant percentage of breast cancer survivors. Even though its physiopathology is well-known, there is no worldwide consensus on BCRL ... ...
Abstract | Background/aim: Upper limb breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic and severe condition affecting a significant percentage of breast cancer survivors. Even though its physiopathology is well-known, there is no worldwide consensus on BCRL evaluation and a gold-standard treatment. This narrative review aims at providing a brief descriptive overview with regard to BCRL treatment modalities. Materials and methods: We conducted a literature search within the PubMed database, and 33 articles out of 56 were selected, including reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses aiming find the most updated evidence regarding BCRL treatment modalities. Results: Physical exercise (aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, aquatic therapy), bandages, and intermittent pneumatic compression were shown to be most effective in BCRL patients, in terms of swelling reduction in the acute-intensive phase. Furthermore, physical exercise was beneficial also as a maintenance tool. Manual lymphatic drainage demonstrated efficacy in preventing secondary lymphedema if applied immediately after breast cancer surgery or in early phases of BCRL or as a maintenance tool. Complementary procedures such as acupuncture, reflexology, yoga and photo-biomodulation therapy did not show conclusive results in BCRL treatment. Surgery was shown effective in managing symptoms (liposuction), preventing (lymphaticovenular anastomosis) and treating BCRL (vascularized lymph node transfer). Conclusion: BCRL is still a challenging condition either for breast cancer survivors and clinicians, deeply impacting patient functioning and quality of life. Due to the lack of globally accepted criteria in evaluating BCRL, to date a gold standard treatment for this widespread issue is still needed. |
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Language | English |
Publishing date | 2021-07-05 |
Publishing country | Greece |
Document type | Journal Article ; Review |
ZDB-ID | 604549-2 |
ISSN | 1791-7530 ; 0250-7005 |
ISSN (online) | 1791-7530 |
ISSN | 0250-7005 |
DOI | 10.21873/anticanres.15109 |
Database | MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE |
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