Cancer-related lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by complex and specific physiologic processes. The pathogenesis of cancer-related lymphedema is typically due to the inflammatory process associated with cancer and/or the strategies used to diagnose, stage, and treat the modality of the cancer. Lymphedema currently affects approximately one in seven people following cancer treatment. Progressive lymphedema increases the risk of recurrent infections, and this inflammatory process may become a vicious cycle with tissue pathology in patients. Moreover, as well as cosmetic concerns, lymphedema can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, negatively affecting functionality and causing an inability to perform daily tasks. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the advanced stage of the disease and improving quality of life. However, the absence of a gold-standard method in clinical diagnosis makes early diagnosis difficult. Additionally, lymphedema is often overlooked in clinical settings, due to failure to identify risk factors, a lack of self-monitoring, and patient education. Complete or complex decongestive physiotherapy is considered the “gold standard” for treating lymphedema and related conditions. The components of complex decongestive physiotherapy are compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, exercise, and patient education. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of complex decongestive physiotherapy in improving cancer-related lymphedema symptoms, but the effectiveness of each component alone is not well understood. This chapter aims to explain the potential mechanisms of each component of complex decongestive physiotherapy in the management of lymphedema and provide appropriate rehabilitation strategies based on the current evidence to ensure optimal lymphedema management.

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Cancer-Related Lymphedema and Physiotherapy

  • Sukriye Cansu Gultekin,
  • Didem Karadibak

摘要

Cancer-related lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by complex and specific physiologic processes. The pathogenesis of cancer-related lymphedema is typically due to the inflammatory process associated with cancer and/or the strategies used to diagnose, stage, and treat the modality of the cancer. Lymphedema currently affects approximately one in seven people following cancer treatment. Progressive lymphedema increases the risk of recurrent infections, and this inflammatory process may become a vicious cycle with tissue pathology in patients. Moreover, as well as cosmetic concerns, lymphedema can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, negatively affecting functionality and causing an inability to perform daily tasks. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the advanced stage of the disease and improving quality of life. However, the absence of a gold-standard method in clinical diagnosis makes early diagnosis difficult. Additionally, lymphedema is often overlooked in clinical settings, due to failure to identify risk factors, a lack of self-monitoring, and patient education. Complete or complex decongestive physiotherapy is considered the “gold standard” for treating lymphedema and related conditions. The components of complex decongestive physiotherapy are compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, exercise, and patient education. Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of complex decongestive physiotherapy in improving cancer-related lymphedema symptoms, but the effectiveness of each component alone is not well understood. This chapter aims to explain the potential mechanisms of each component of complex decongestive physiotherapy in the management of lymphedema and provide appropriate rehabilitation strategies based on the current evidence to ensure optimal lymphedema management.