Nursing management of patients with lymphedema associated with breast cancer therapy

Abstract

In Colombia, a modified radical mastectomy remains the treatment of choice for breast cancer. When it occurs, lymphedema is a serious complication to breast cancer treatment and has the potential to greatly affect the women's quality of life. The purposes of this article are to review the normal physiology of the lymphatic system, the pathophysiology of lymphedema, the etiology of lymphedema based on risk factors, and the recommended treatments to relieve lymphedema; to discuss the nursing interventions to prevent and alleviate lymphedema; and to recommend priorities for a nursing research agenda.