The treatment of lymphedema.

BACKGROUND

Before the treatment of arm lymphedema after breast carcinoma treatment with complex decongestive physiotherapy can be initiated, it is mandatory to differentiate between benign and malignant forms (due to relapse) and to establish the diagnosis of accompanying diseases, if present.

METHODS

In benign lymphedemas, the aim of complex decongestive physiotherapy is to restore the symptom free "Stage 0 of latency" and to maintain fitness for work. The palliative treatment of malignant lymphedemas results in the amelioration of the quality of life.

RESULTS

The results of treatment depend on the experience of the physician in clinical lymphology, on the training and dedication of the lymphedema therapist, and on the compliance of the patient.

CONCLUSIONS

A study concerning gene expression has shown that complex decongestive physiotherapy influences the pathological alterations of the interstitium in lymphedema patients.