Clinical Assessment And Circumferential Treatment Of...

Lymphedema is the swelling of soft tissues as a result of the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the extracellular spaces. Secondary lymphedema is precipitated by an event causing blockage or interruption of the lymphatic vessels. It is a potential complication that may affect quality of life of patients treated for breast cancer. Life-long risk factors of post-breast cancer lymphedema are related to the extent of axillary node involvement, type of breast surgery, and radiation therapy, as these factors decrease lymphatic drainage and increase stasis of fluid in the areas of skin and subcutaneous tissues that drain to those regional lymph nodes. Breast cancer- related lymphedema (BCRL) can involve the arm and hand, as well as the†¦show more content†¦In addition to invasive breast cancer, 60,290 new cases of in situ breast cancer weare expected to occur among women in 2015. Moreover, an estimated 40,290730 breast cancer deaths weare expected in 2015 [2]. However, as a result of advances in early detection and treatment, compared to today breast cancer patients can expect survival that is similar to age-matched women without the disease, [3]. Tthe 5-year relative survival for women diagnosed with localized breast cancer has increased from 80% in the 1950s to 899% today [2]. Although breast cancer treatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy, have improved patients outcomes, they cause patients to potentially suffer from substantial adverse effects [34]. One complication of these treatments is lymphedema, a chronic health problem, troublesome to both patients and health professionals [5]. Lymphedema describes a set of pathological conditions in which there is an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in soft tissues as a result of the interruption of lymphatic flow [46, 7]. It is most commonly found in the extremities; however, it also can be found in the head, neck, abdomen, lungs, and genital regions [58]. Although the incidence of breast cancer-related lymphedema is unclear due to differences in diagnoses, the different characteristics of the patients studied, and