Ultrasonography as an instrument to evaluate lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: systematic review.

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by fluid accumulation, causing tissue edema as a result of a compromised lymphatic system. Diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) is a method capable of assessing soft tissue characteristics that can be used reliably to diagnose lymphedema as well as for measuring tissue compliance in a clinical setting. This is a systematic review, aiming to evaluate articles that made use of DUS in management of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer.

Blue LED as a new treatment to vaginal stenosis due pelvic radiotherapy: Two case reports.

Background: Currently, the advancement cancer treatment technology improves overall survival, however, adverse events are still a challenge for health professional. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vaginal stenosis are conditions that impact the quality of life of patients undergoing radiotherapy. We present two such cases in patients with previous cervical and endometrial cancer.

Effect of taping as treatment to reduce breast cancer lymphedema: literature review.

Lymphedema is the most common complication during the postoperative period after surgery for breast cancer and can have a direct impact on daily activities. The objective of this study was to review the use of taping as an alternative/complementary treatment to reduce lymphedema. A literature review was conducted of scientific articles indexed on the PubMed, LILACS, MEDLINE, and PEDro databases and Google Scholar, and nine articles were selected.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Active Exercise Effects on Lymphatic Function Do Not Translate Into Morbidities in Women Who Underwent Breast Cancer Surgery.

Objective: To evaluate manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and active exercise effects on lymphatic alterations of the upper limb (UL), range of motion (ROM) of shoulder, and scar complications after breast cancer surgery.

Design: Clinical trial.

Setting: Health care center.

Lymphatic Function in the Early Postoperative Period of Breast Cancer Has No Short-Term Clinical Impact.

Objective: To evaluate by lymphoscintigraphy the lymphatic function in the preoperative period up to 2 months after surgery for breast cancer, and the relationship between the lymphatic function with clinical features and physical complications.

Methods: One hundred and five women were studied before and 2 months after surgery to treat breast cancer. On each occasion, inspection and palpation of surgical wound, upper limb circumference, and lymphoscintigraphy were performed.

Assessment of impact of late postoperative physical functional disabilities on quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Aims And Background: Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among women. Surgical and supplemental (or adjuvant) therapies to combat the disease may implicate physical functional consequences for the ipsilateral upper extremity. These dysfunctions may persist for many years and have repercussions on the performance of daily living activities.

Manual lymphatic drainage versus exercise in the early postoperative period for breast cancer.

Objective: To compare the effect of active exercise and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on postoperative wound healing complications, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb (UL) perimetry in women undergoing radical mastectomy for breast cancer.

Methods: Controlled non-randomized clinical trial with 89 women undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: 906). Women were matched for staging, age and body mass index, with 46 women allocated to the exercise group and 43 in the MLD group, receiving 2 weekly sessions during one month.

Evaluation of lymphatic compensation by lymphoscintigraphy in the postoperative period of breast cancer surgery with axillary dissection.

Objective: To evaluate postoperative lymphatic compensation in the upper limb after mastectomy with axillary dissection.

Subjects And Methods: Twenty-three patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy before and 60 days after surgery were enrolled from September 2006 to June 2007, in Campinas, Brazil. Protocol examination consisted in static imaging of each upper limb in semi-flexion and thoracic imaging after 10 min and 1 and 2 hr after subcutaneous injection of 1 mCi (37 MBq) of 99mTc dextran into the dorsum of the hand.

Two exercise schemes in postoperative breast cancer: comparison of effects on shoulder movement and lymphatic disturbance.

Aims And Background: We attempted to determine the best method of performing the exercises in rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery and their influence on postoperative complications. Currently, there are no guidelines for these exercises. The scope of this study was to evaluate the effect of two schemes of physiotherapy exercises (directed or free) on shoulder function and lymphatic disturbance in postoperative rehabilitation.