Breast cancer-related lymphoedema: risk factors and treatment

Br J Nurs. 2009 Feb;18(3):166-72. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2009.18.3.39045.

Abstract

Lymphoedema is a condition where there is an obstruction of the flow of lymph, partnered with a swelling of the limb. Within the breast cancer arena lymphoedema can occur in the arm where the cancer was/is. The various approaches to treating lymphoedema include skin care, elevation of the affected arm, the use of compression hosiery, multi-layer bandaging, massage (manual lymphatic drainage), or even surgery. This article will discuss the treatments for lymphoedema along with relevant evidence and illustrate current practice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Information Services
  • Internet
  • Lymphedema / epidemiology
  • Lymphedema / etiology*
  • Lymphedema / therapy*
  • Massage
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Skin Care / nursing
  • Stockings, Compression