| Abstrakt: |
Purpose: This study is to review current evidence for prospective surveillance, early intervention and conservative treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Recent Findings: BCRL 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. Summary: BCRL 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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