Choi JE, Chang MC. Management of lymphedema is really a matter in patients with breast cancer. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12(15): 2482-2486 [PMID: 38817238 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i15.2482]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Min Cheol Chang, MD, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1, Daemyungdong, Namku, Daegu 705-717, South Korea. wheel633@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Surgery
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Cases. May 26, 2024; 12(15): 2482-2486 Published online May 26, 2024. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i15.2482
Management of lymphedema is really a matter in patients with breast cancer
Jung Eun Choi, Min Cheol Chang
Jung Eun Choi, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
Min Cheol Chang, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu 705-717, South Korea
Author contributions: Choi JE and Chang MC designed and performed the study, analyzed the data, and wrote the manuscript; both authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported byThe National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korea Government, No. 00219725.
Conflict-of-interest statement: Both authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Min Cheol Chang, MD, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1, Daemyungdong, Namku, Daegu 705-717, South Korea. wheel633@gmail.com
Received: February 24, 2024 Revised: April 8, 2024 Accepted: April 19, 2024 Published online: May 26, 2024 Processing time: 80 Days and 0.4 Hours
Abstract
Lymphedema is a prevalent complication affecting patients with breast cancer, greatly impacting their quality of life. This editorial describes diagnostic methods and therapeutic interventions for managing lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and objective measures, including arm circumference and volumetric assessments, along with lymphoscintigraphy and ultrasonic measurements. Treatment primarily involves complex decongestive physical therapy, comprising manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise, and meticulous skin care. These interventions aim to reduce swelling, alleviate discomfort, and prevent further complications. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding extreme temperatures and maintaining proper hygiene are essential. Flavonoids can be used for drug therapy. Despite its prevalence, lymphedema often receives inadequate attention in clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and enhancing medical services for affected individuals. Clinicians play a pivotal role in educating patients about preventive measures and ensuring timely intervention. Overall, a comprehensive approach encompassing early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and patient education is essential to mitigate the burden of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer and improve their overall well-being.
Core Tip: This editorial describes the diagnosis and management of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. Lymphedema, a common complication of breast cancer treatment, greatly impacts patients' quality of life and psychological well-being. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and objective measures, including arm circumference and volumetric assessments, as well as lymphoscintigraphy and ultrasonic measurements. Treatment involves complex decongestive physical therapy comprising manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise, and skin care. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for effective management of lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.
