[Secondary malignant lymphedema]

Wien Med Wochenschr. 2006 May;156(9-10):309-13. doi: 10.1007/s10354-006-0296-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The diagnosis of a secondary malignant lymphoedema which is caused by tumor infiltration or tumor compression is a very important sign for an unknown primary, but also for a tumor relapse. It is a big challenge, because it is often associated with a long story of woe, severe pain and a big reduction in mobility. Only an early diagnosis and introduction of a tumor-specific therapy is able to prevent the progress of this disease. As the secondary lymphedema is a chronic progressive disease, the early beginning of the "Complex physical Oedematherapy" is necessary, which consists of a combination of manual lymph drainage, compression by the use of bandages and special stockings for compression, physical training to improve mobility, dermatological care and drug therapy. Lymphedema is a chronic incurable disease. Therefore the therapeutic goal is to reach a stable disease without symptoms, which means reducing the lymphedema to "Stadium 0, latent stage".

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal / surgery*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care
  • Lymph Node Excision*
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Lymphedema / therapy*
  • Mastectomy, Segmental*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / therapy
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Palliative Care*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*