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LYMPHEDEMA AFTER BREAST CANCER SURGERY

DOLORES BRAJAN ; Rijeka University Hospital Center, Clinical Department of Surgery, Division of General Oncology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zagreb, Croatia
NERA FUMIĆ ; Rijeka University Hospital Center, Clinical Department of Surgery, Division of General Oncology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zagreb, Croatia
NIKOLINA RUŽAK ; Community Health Center, Rijeka, Croatia
MARIN MARINOVIĆ ; Rijeka University Hospital Center, Clinical Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer seat in women all over the world and the leading cause of death from all cancers in women. Around 20% of women with breast cancer develop lymphedema upon removal of axillary lymph nodes on the affected breast side and radiotherapy. Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of lymphatic luid that causes swelling, most often seen on the hands and feet. The cure for lymphedema does not exist, but there are treatment and health care procedures by which the symptoms of lymphedema, such as swelling and decreased range of motion, can irst be preventable and later, when lymphedema appears, reduce and control it. Current treatment includes the concept of self-care. If the patient can and wants to learn how to help herself, she can become an equal partner in medical treatment. The incidence of lymphedema reduces the quality of life. The basic principle of lymphedema treatment is complex decongestive therapy.

Keywords

breast cancer; lymphedema; symptoms; self-care; quality of life

Hrčak ID:

148106

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148106

Publication date:

8.11.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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