LYMPHOEDEMA AFTER BREAST CANCER TREATMENT Our approach is to provide holistic care for women with breast cancer. After every breast surgery a post-operational swelling develops. Depending on the type of surgery and further treatment (e.g. breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal and/or radiotherapy), chronic lymphoedema may also develop. Many women develop secondary lymphoedema without even knowing it. Helping patients recognise these symptoms at an early stage and act accordingly is our biggest goal and gives the best chance to noticeably improve the lives of those affected. In the early stage I of edematization and for preventing the accumulation of fluid, compression bodysuits or compression bras are frequently used.1
INCIDENTS2
10%
Secondary lymphoedema after breast cancer therapy
Back
14%
24.8% 90.4%
Thoracic wall (lateral)
Breast (after breast conserving surgery or radiotherapy)
Good to know: Factors that promote lymphoedema may include: • The number of lymph nodes removed or through radiation • Breast surgery with complications such as wound infections, erysipelas, necrosis and fibrosis • Bras that constrict and don‘t fit properly • Metastasis • Scarring
Our model, Karin, has had breast cancer surgery
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cf. Journal Lymphology 53 (2020) 3-19; The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lymphedema: 2020 consensus document of the international society of lymphology. cf. Abouelazayem, M., Elkorety, M., & Monib, S. (2021). Breast Lymphedema After Conservative Breast Surgery: An Up-to-date Systematic Review. Clinical breast cancer, 21(3), 156–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2020.11.017
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