[Evaluation of the therapeutic impact of selected physiotherapy treatments on the treatment of lymphoedema and the assessment of the state of knowledge on risk factors, information acquisition and prophylaxis against women after surgical treatment of breast cancer]

Abstract

Objective: Introduction: Breast cancer is a disease with high incidence. In Poland, it is the most common cause of death among cancer in women. A common method of treatment is a breast-saving procedure or its radical removal along with nearby lymph nodes. The most common complication after resection is lymphoedema. The aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a selected series of physiotherapy treatments to reduce lymphoedema in women after surgical treatment of breast cancer, assessment of risk factors in women after surgical treatment of breast cancer, assessment of how women collect information on the prevention of lymphoedema, evaluation of women after mastectomy surgery to prevent the formation of lymphoedema.

Patients and methods: Materials and methods: The study involved 43 patients with lymphoedema after surgical treatment of breast cancer. Patients' own questionnaire was performed and two upper limb circumferences were measured (before and after the end of a series of physiotherapy treatments).

Results: Results: In 43 examined women (100&) after the surgery associated with the occurrence of breast cancer, lymphatic edema of the upper limb on the operated side occurred. Edema of the entire limb appeared in 25 subjects (58.14&), and in the arm and forearm, 10 patients (23.26&), arm and forearm in 8 women (18.60&). Edema occurred in different period from the time of surgery and affected a different area. After the therapy, the patients were found to have reduced limb circumferences of the operated side at all levels. The largest decrease was observed at level III (10 cm below the elbow) on average by 1.75 cm, and the smallest at level I (in the medial part of the metacarpus excluding the thumb).

Conclusion: Conclusions: Physiotherapy treatments have a significant impact on the reduction of lymphatic edema in women after surgical treatment of breast cancer. In women after mastectomy, there is no basic knowledge about risk factors for lymphoedema. Physicians have the largest share in the education of women after mastectomy. The most common actions in the field of anti-oedematous prophylaxis are kinesitherapy, automassage and proper posture position with high laying of the upper limb on the operated side.

Keywords: breast cancer; lymphedema; post-mastectomy physiotherapy.