Breast Cancer –Related Lymphedema: the Prospective Surveillance Model, Early Intervention Strategies, and Role of Complete Decongestive Therapy

This study is to review current evidence for prospective surveillance, early intervention and conservative treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).Recent FindingsBCRL screening is imperative. It must begin at preoperative baseline to avoid misdiagnosis and should include subjective and objective measures and clinical exam. Screening allows for early intervention; however, further research is needed to definitively establish its benefit and identify the appropriate treatment threshold to minimize progression. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) has remained the gold standard for treatment; however, this is resource intensive, and supporting evidence for its components is lacking. Further research regarding the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage and CDT is indicated to guide clinical practice.SummaryBCRL has a tremendous negative impact on quality of life, and efforts to maximize patient outcome should be aggressively pursued. Screening, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based management are mutually supporting and necessary for a comprehensive BCRL program throughout survivorship.
Source: Current Breast Cancer Reports - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research