Symptoms: Lymphedema

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on the edema and pain when applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. [Subjects and Methods] Eleven patients who were diagnosed with lymphedema were selected as the subjects of the study. The experimental group received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment on edema regions three times per week for four weeks. Surface tape measurement was used to measure changes in lower extremity edema. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analog scale. [Results] The edema decrements in the experimental group were significantly larger than those in the control group. The pain decrements in the experimental group were significantly larger than those in the control group. [Conclusion] In conclusion, application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was confirmed to be effective in reducing edema and pain.

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“…However, the threats and risk factors of lymphedema are underestimated, despite its frequent occurrence and diagnosis in medical clinics4 ) .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edema and pain reduction using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment

Choi

Lee

2016

J Phys Ther Sci

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“…MLD and compression bandaging in the intensive phase may be applied alone, together or combined with pressure pumps or compression garments. The intervals of different procedures can be changed from two times a week to everyday for four weeks (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25). In our study we performed CDT in a combined manner with skin care, MLD, multilayer bandaging and supervised lymphedema exercises, and determined a significant reduction in volumes and excess volumes.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…If left untreated, the presence of macromolecules, proteases and pro-inflammatory molecules may lead to chronic inflammation, fibrosis and hardening of the skin and eventually prone to infections. These symptoms can result in functional disability, psychosocial problems and impaired quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) (3)(4)(5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined-complex Decongestive Therapy Reduces Volume and Improves Quality of Life and Functional Status in Patients with Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema

Borman

Yaman

Yasrebi

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), in regard to volume reduction, functional status and quality of life (QoL).Methods: Fifty patients with unilateral BCRL were included. The demographic variables focusing on lymphedema were recorded. All patients received combined phase 1 CDT including skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer bandaging and supervised exercises, five times a week for three weeks, as a total of 15 sessions. Patients were assessed by limb volumes and excess volumes according to geometric approximation derived from serial circumference-measurements of the limb, prior and at the end of third week. The functional disability was evaluated by quick disability of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH). Quality of life was assessed by the European Organization forResearch and Treatment of Cancer Core Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and its breast cancer module (EORTC-QLQ-BR23).Results: Fifty females with mean age of 53.22±11.2 years were included. The median duration of lymphedema was 12 months. There were 22 patients in stage1, 26 in stage2 and 2 patients in stage3. The mean baseline limb and excess volumes were significantly decreased at the end of therapies (3262±753cm³ vs 2943±646.6cm³ and 31.36±16.5% vs 19.12±10.4%, p=0.000,respectively). The DASH and EORTC-QLQ-C30 and BR23 scores were also decreased significantly (p<0.05). The improvements in volumes were related negatively with the duration of lymphedema,and the stage of lymphedema. Conclusion: In conclusion phase 1CDT in a combined manner performed daily for 3 weeks, greatly reduces the volumes as well as improves the disability and QoL, especially when performed earlier.

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“…In the United States, patients who have breast cancer experience significant economic burden, even compared with those who have other types of cancer . The economic burden after cancer may be further exacerbated for patients who are managing adverse treatment effects, such as breast cancer‐related lymphedema, which is one of the most common and costly breast cancer‐related adverse treatment effects, affecting nearly 35% of breast cancer survivors in the United States and resulting in an estimated $14,877 in out‐of‐pocket costs in the first 2 years of a diagnosis . Even up to 10 years after diagnosis, out‐of‐pocket health costs for women who have breast cancer‐related lymphedema are more than double the costs for those without breast cancer‐related lymphedema .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patient recommendations for reducing long‐lasting economic burden after breast cancer

Dean

Moss

Rollinson

et al. 2019

Cancer

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Background In the United States, patients who have breast cancer experience significant economic burden compared with those who have other types of cancers. Cancer‐related economic burden is exacerbated by adverse treatment effects. Strategies to resolve the economic burden caused by breast cancer and its adverse treatment effects have stemmed from the perspectives of health care providers, oncology navigators, and other subject‐matter experts. For the current study, patient‐driven recommendations were elicited to reduce economic burden after 1) breast cancer and 2) breast cancer‐related lymphedema, which is a common, persistent adverse effect of breast cancer. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 40 long‐term breast cancer survivors who were residents of Pennsylvania or New Jersey in 2015 and were enrolled in a 6‐month observational study. Purposive sampling ensured equal representation by age, socioeconomic position, and lymphedema diagnosis. Semistructured interviews addressed economic challenges, supports used, and patient recommendations for reducing financial challenges. Interviews were coded, and representative quotes from the patient recommendations were analyzed and reported to illustrate key findings. Results Of 40 interviewees (mean age, 64 years; mean time since diagnosis, 12 years), 27 offered recommendations to reduce the economic burden caused by cancer and its adverse treatment effects. Nine recommendations emerged across 4 major themes: expanding affordable insurance and insurance‐covered items, especially for lymphedema treatment (among the 60% who reported lymphedema); supportive domestic help; financial assistance from diagnosis through treatment; and employment‐preserving policies. Conclusions The current study yielded 9 actionable, patient‐driven recommendations—changes to insurance, supportive services, financial assistance, and protective policies—to reduce breast cancer‐related economic burden. These recommendations should be tested through policy and programmatic interventions.

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Symptoms: Lymphedema

Cited by 22 publications

References 74 publications

Edema and pain reduction using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment

Edema and pain reduction using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation treatment

Combined-complex Decongestive Therapy Reduces Volume and Improves Quality of Life and Functional Status in Patients with Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema

Patient recommendations for reducing long‐lasting economic burden after breast cancer

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