Post-breast cancer lymphedema: part 2

Am J Nurs. 2009 Aug;109(8):34-41; quiz 42. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000358492.91678.78.

Abstract

As breast cancer survivors often say, lymphedema is more than just a swollen arm. A result of surgical or radiologic breast cancer treatment, it's an abnormal accumulation of lymph in the arm, shoulder, breast, or thoracic area that usually develops within three years of a breast cancer diagnosis but can occur much later. In Part 1 (July) the authors described the pathophysiology and diagnosis of lymphedema. In Part 2 they discuss current approaches to risk reduction, treatment and management of the condition, and implications for nurses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema / etiology
  • Lymphedema / prevention & control
  • Lymphedema / psychology
  • Lymphedema / therapy*
  • Mastectomy / adverse effects
  • Mastectomy / methods
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Radiotherapy / methods