Review article

Lymphedema in women with breast cancer

Nada KRALJEVIĆ ; Klinika za reumatologiju, fizikalnu medicinu i rehabilitaciju, Klinička jedinica za rehabilitaciju onkoloških bolesnika, Klinički bolnički centar „Sestre milosrdnice“, Zagreb

Abstract

Lymphedema is the excessive accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the interstitium,
causing chronic inflammation and reactive fibrosis of the affected tissue. It occurs
as a result of failure of the lymphatic system. Although the condition is usually
incurable, it is possible to control with the complex therapeutic approach. In the
breast cancer patients lymphedema is the secondary type due to obstruction or
injury of the lymphatic system with therapeutic procedures and / or because of the
cancer. Incidence and clinical features depend on the modalities of treatment, the
degree of local lymphatic damage and compensatory ability of the lymphatic system.
According to the clinical features lymphedema can be: benign, malignant, acute,
chronic. According to the time period after oncological therapy are given four types,
according to the anatomical and pathological changes in four stages, according to the
voluminous three stages. Lymphedema as a chronic condition reduces the quality of
life because of the consequences that can be physical (biomechanical changes in the
shoulder girdle, cervical and / or thoracic spine, posture disorder, brachial plexus
lesions, inflammatory lesions, carpal tunnel syndrome, pain, fatigue), psychosocial,
spiritual and professional character. Therefore, the treatment of lymphoedema
is the part of the cancer rehabilitation. Basic lymphedema treatment is Complex
Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Keywords

breast cancer; sequelae; lymphoedema; rehabilitation; quality of life

Hrčak ID:

108149

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/108149

Publication date:

25.2.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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