Effectiveness of complex decongestive therapy in management of breast cancer associated lymphedema
Journal Title: TMR Non-Drug Therapy - Year 2020, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: To assess the edema relief effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) in patients with breast cancer associated lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Methods: 58 breast cancer patients with unilateral arm lymphedema after breast cancer ALND were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups based on the difference of circumference between the affected and unaffected extremity: group 1, mild lymphedema in circumference difference; group 2, moderate lymphedema, and group 3, severe lymphedema. These patients received four weeks of CDT and self-administered home therapy. Arm circumference was measured before, right after CDT, 3 months and 12 months of follow-up. Results: In the first group, the circumference difference was 1.53 ± 0.73 cm prior to CDT, and 0.32 ± 0.59 cm right after CDT, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). At the 1-year-follow-up, we got an even higher value than the pre-CDT one, however, there was no significant difference (P = 0.175). At the end of CDT, the circumference difference of the third group was 4.52 ± 2.58 cm, significantly lower than the baseline level (8.76 ± 3.07 cm) (P < 0.001). In the third group, the reduction of circumference difference was persisted for 12 months. Conclusion: The effects of CDT were maintained for 12 months, while there were differences in progress of circumference difference among the three groups. The effects of patients with severe initial edema (> 5 cm increased) last longer.
Authors and Affiliations
Ting-Ting Li, Zhen-Dong Zheng, Yue-Hai Ma, Qiu-Hua Li, Zhao-Zhe Liu
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP678615
- DOI 10.12032/TMRND201902025
- Views 198
- Downloads 0
Effects of electroacupuncture at auricular concha area on the circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion in p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia rats
Backgroud: The electroacupuncture of auricular concha area (EA-ACR) proved to have a good regulatory effect on insomnia and the release of melatonin, which is most closely related to sleep. However, there is little rese...
Impact of diabetes education on patients suffering from type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Background: Diabetes health education is an integral component of diabetes management. The aim of education is not only to provide knowledge and skills, but also to change patients’ attitude and increase motivation towar...
Progress research on non-drug therapy in cancer-related fatigue
Highlights This article reviews the progress research on non-drug therapy in cancer-related fatigue, including exercise intervention, psychological intervention, sleep intervention, nutrition intervention, bright white...
The effect of dry-cupping combined with lavender oil massage on postpartum perineal pain: a case study
Background: Perineal pain is an important complaint in the postpartum period for several weeks. This study aimed to examine the effect of dry cupping therapy with lavender oil massage on the intensity of postpartum perin...
Effect of “Tongji” electroacupuncture on pain and inflammatory factors in patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission stage
Abstract Background: Lumbar disc herniation is the most common back pain disorder characterized by lumbago-leg pain in clinical practice. The treatment of lumbar disc herniation in Western medicine mainly contains the o...