Síndrome axillary web tras cirugía de cáncer de mama. Variante rara con nódulos subcutáneos / Axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery. Rare variant with subcutaneous nodules

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 49 años, tratada e intervenida por cáncer de mama, quien, a las 3semanas de presentar síndrome de axillary web (SAW), desarrolló nódulos subcutáneos, blandos e indoloros a lo largo de su recorrido y cerca de la flexura del codo. Las pruebas complementarias (ecografía Doppler y de partes blandas) descartaron etiología dérmica/subcutánea o neoplásica, y se evidenció trombosis venosa cefálica y cubital. Se pautó tratamiento con anticoagulante y a las 3-4 semanas el SAW mejoró y los nódulos desaparecieron. Con la clínica, evolución y las pruebas complementarias realizadas, junto con la evidencia científica publicada, se diagnosticó de SAW con nódulos subcutáneos. El SAW es una complicación posquirúrgica precoz del cáncer de mama conocida entre los profesionales y cuyo diagnóstico es clínico. La asociación del SAW con nódulos subcutáneos es una de las variantes poco frecuente, en las que es preciso ampliar el estudio. Se cree que los nódulos, al igual que el SAW, son debidos a procesos trombóticos linfovenosos (AU)

We describe the case of a 49-year-old woman who, after surgical treatment of breast cancer, developed axillary web syndrome (AWS) followed, 3 weeks later, by the appearance of soft and painless subcutaneous nodules along the cords and close to the flexure of the elbow. After tests (soft tissue and Doppler ultrasound), a dermal/subcutaneous or neoplastic cause was ruled out, although a cephalic and ulnar venous thrombosis was revealed. Anticoagulant medication was prescribed, with disappearance of the nodules 3-4 weeks later and improvement of AWS. The symptoms, clinical course, diagnostic tests, as well as the published evidence, helped to establish a diagnosis of AWS with subcutaneous nodules. AWS is an early complication after axillary surgery, which is well known among breast cancer professionals and whose diagnosis is based on clinical presentation. Its association with subcutaneous nodules is one of its rare variants and requires compulsory complementary studies to exclude other causes. Like AWS, nodules are believed to be due to lymphatic vessel thrombosis (AU)

Experience in a rehabilitation center for mastectomized women at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the experience lived in an interdisciplinary follow-up care center for mastectomized women at a public university in São Paulo during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Experience report on the health care provided in the health center for mastectomized women. RESULTS: The care was provided three times a week by an interdisciplinary health team. The mentioned areas that cover the women care in the center: Physical, Psychological, Social Support and Health Education. CONCLUSIONS: The attention by an interdisciplinary team becomes prevalent in the care of mastectomized women, since cancer and its treatment produce various changes in women's lives in the short and long term, so follow-up and support must be biopsychosocial, covering all areas that may be affected, especially during the pandemic.

The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A literature review.

Lymphedema is one of the most dreaded complications related to breast cancer surgery, commonly resulting in upper limb functional, esthetic, and psychological impairment. The necessity to improve the efficacy of conventional treatments and the promising effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on lymphangiogenesis in vitro and animal models, has prompted studies involving women affected by breast cancer-related lymphedema. Since intervention modalities and treatment protocols used are different, a review is necessary to verify the effectiveness of ESWT, evaluating the quality of existing studies and the eventual need for further research. Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and PEDro, including articles published until January 2019. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Evident heterogeneity emerged among selected studies permitting only a purely descriptive analysis of their data and strongly limiting their comparison. When compared to other treatment modalities, ESWT showed a significant effect on measured outcomes. It is clear that further high quality research is necessary to assert with confidence the effects and possible superiority of ESWT over other conservative therapies in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Efficacy and efficiency of a new therapeutic approach based on activity-oriented proprioceptive antiedema therapy (TAPA) for edema reduction and improved occupational performance in the rehabilitation of breast cancer-related arm lymphedema in women: a controlled, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health issue. More than one out of five women treated for breast cancer will develop lymphedema in an upper extremity. Current evidence advocates transdisciplinary oncological rehabilitation. Therefore, research in this area is necessary since limited consensus having been reached with regard to the basic essential components of this rehabilitation. Consensus has, however, been reached on the use of decongestive lymphedema therapy (DLT), but due to a lack of tests, the necessary dosages are unknown and its level is moderately strong. This study attempts to verify both the efficacy of activity-oriented proprioceptive antiedema therapy (TAPA), as compared to conventional treatments such as DLT or Complex Physical Therapy (CPT), as well as its efficiency in terms of cost-effectiveness, for patients affected by breast cancer-related arm lymphedema. METHODS: Controlled, randomized clinical trial with dual stratification, two parallel arms, longitudinal and single blind. 64 women with breast cancer-related arm lymphedema will take part in the study. The experimental group intervention will be the same for stage I and II, and will consist of neuro-dynamic exercises oriented to the activity, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation activities and proprioceptive anti-edema bandaging. The control group intervention, depending on the stage, will consist of preventive measures, skin care and exercise-prescribed training in the lymphedema workshop as well as compression garments (Stage I) or conservative Complex Decongestive Therapy treatment (skin care, multi-layer bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage and massage therapy) (Stage II). RESULTS: Sociodemographic and clinical variables will be collected for the measurement of edema volume and ADL performance. Statistical analysis will be performed on intent to treat. DISCUSSION: It has been recommended that patient training be added to DLT, as well as a re-designing of patient lifestyles and the promotion of health-related aspects. In addition, clinical trials should be undertaken to assess neural mobilization techniques and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation should be included in the therapy. Cohesive bandaging will also be performed as an early form of pressotherapy. The proposed study combines all of these aspects in order to increased comfort and promote the participation of individuals with lymphedema in everyday situations. LIMITATIONS: The authors have proposed the assessment of the experimental treatment for stages I and II. One possible limitation is the lack of awareness of whether or not this treatment would be effective for other stages as well as the concern for proper hand cleansing during use of bandages, given the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03762044 ). Date of registration: 23 November 2018. Prospectively Registered.

Effectiveness of individualized physical rehabilitation programs for upper extremity disorders in women with post-mastectomy syndrome / Efectividad de los programas de rehabilitación física individualizados para los trastornos de las extremidades superiores en mujeres con síndrome post-mastectomía / Efetividade de programas de reabilitação física individualizados para distúrbios de extremidade superior em mulheres com síndrome pós-mastectomia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of individualized physical rehabilitation programs targeted at improving functional state of upper extremity in women with post-mastectomy syndrome. METHOD: Eighty five women with late symptoms of post-mastectomy syndrome were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly enrolled for the first individualized program (Main Group, n=45) and for the second individualized program (Comparison Group, n=40). The first program included aqua aerobics (aqua jogging, aqua building, aqua stretching), conditional swimming, and recreational aerobics; the second program included conditional swimming and Pilates exercises. RESULTS: It was found that most of the investigated anthropometry and goniometry parameters in both groups steadily improved during the year of rehabilitation. After 6 months of rehabilitation the average values of active range of flexion and abduction were statistically higher in women Main Group compared with Comparison Group by 10 degrees (p < 0.001) and 6.43 degrees (p < 0.01), respectively. The severity of lymphedema in the Main Group was significantly lower at the area of forearm by 0.39 cm (p < 0.05) compared with Comparison Group. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have suggested that developed individualized physical rehabilitation programs could be considered as effective methods for improvement of the shoulder range of motion and decrease breast cancer-related lymphedema in patients with post-mastectomy syndrome

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la efectividad de los programas de rehabilitación física individualizados dirigidos a mejorar el estado funcional de la extremidad superior en mujeres con síndrome post-mastectomía. MÉTODO: Ochenta y cinco mujeres con síntomas tardíos de síndrome post-mastectomía participaron en el estudio. Los participantes se inscribieron aleatoriamente para el primer programa individualizado (Grupo Principal, n = 45) y para el segundo programa orientado a la personalidad (Grupo de Comparación, n = 40). El primer programa incluyó ejercicios acuáticos (carrera, pesas y estiramientos), natación condicional y ejercicio aeróbico recreativo; el segundo programa incluyó natación condicional y ejercicios de Pilates. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que la mayoría de los parámetros de antropometría y goniometría investigados en ambos grupos mejoraron constantemente durante el año de rehabilitación. Después de 6 meses de rehabilitación, los valores promedio del rango activo de flexión y abducción fueron estadísticamente más altos en mujeres del Grupo Principal en comparación con las del Grupo de Comparación en 10 grados (p < 0.001) y 6.43 grados (p < 0.01), respectivamente. La gravedad del linfedema del Grupo Principal fue significativamente menor en el área del antebrazo en 0.39 cm (p <0.05) en comparación con la del Grupo de Comparación. CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos sufieren que los programas de rehabilitación física individualizados podrían considerarse como métodos efectivos para mejorar el rango de movimiento del hombro y disminuir el linfedema relacionado con el cáncer de mama en pacientes con síndrome postmastectomía

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a eficácia de programas de reabilitação física individualizada destinados a melhorar o estado funcional da extremidade superior em mulheres com síndrome pós-mastectomia. MÉTODOS: Oitenta e cinco mulheres com sintomas tardios da síndrome pós-mastectomia foram incluídas no estudo. As participantes foram aleatoriamente inscritas para o primeiro programa individualizado (Grupo Principal, n = 45) e para o segundo programa individualizado (Grupo de Comparação, n = 40). O primeiro programa incluiu hidroginástica (corridas, pesos e alongamentos), natação condicional e aeróbica recreativa; o segundo programa incluiu natação condicional e exercícios de Pilates. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a maioria dos parâmetros de antropometria e goniometria investigados em ambos os grupos melhorou constantemente durante o ano de reabilitação. Após 6 meses de reabilitação, os valores médios da amplitude ativa de flexão e abdução foram estatisticamente maiores nas mulheres do Grupo Principal comparados ao Grupo de Comparação em 10 graus (p <0.001) e 6,43 graus (p <0.01), respectivamente. A gravidade do linfedema no Grupo Principal foi significativamente menor na área do antebraço em 0,39 cm (p <0.05) comparada ao Grupo de Comparação. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados sugeriram que programas individualizados de reabilitação física poderiam ser considerados como métodos eficazes para melhorar a amplitude de movimento do ombro e diminuir o linfedema relacionado ao câncer de mama em pacientes com síndrome pós-mastectomia

Late Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment and Outcome after Corrective Interventions.

Purpose: To study the late toxicities of treatment and its impact on Breast cancer survivors among Indian patients. Materials and Methods: Our study recruited 152 curatively treated non metastatic carcinoma breast patients. The baseline demographic details, disease related and treatment related information were collected. The late effects included breast cancer related lymphedema, shoulder dysfunction, treatment induced bone loss, hypothyroidism, cardiac dysfunction, and chemotherapy induced cognitive dysfunction and Quality of life. Results: The median age was 47 years (range 27 -72 years). The cumulative frequency of BCRL and shoulder dysfunction was 31.57% and 34.86% respectively. The improvement in BCRL with corrective intervention was not statistically significant. The BCRL was significantly associated with shoulder dysfunction. The frequency of loss of bone mineral density was 38.15%. There was statistically significant improvement in bone mineral density with interventions. The cumulative rate of hypothyroidism and cardiac dysfunction was 14.47 % and 2.17% respectively which improved after corrective therapy. We did not find any delayed cognitive dysfunction. There was improvement in global health, physical function, role function, fatigue, Nausea, vomiting, pain scores, insomnia, Loss of appetite, diarrhea and arm symptoms over time with intervention. Conclusion: Our study has shown that nearly half of the survivors were suffering from at least one of the late effects. The intervention helped in improving the loss of bone mineral density, hypothyroidism, cardiac dysfunction and quality of life in Breast cancer survivors.

[Clinical effects of free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap carrying lymphatic groin flap for treatment of upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy and breast reconstruction].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap carrying lymphatic groin flap for treatment of upper limb lymphedema after radical mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Methods: From October 2014 to December 2016, 10 female patients, aged 37-60 (48±8) years, who had lymphedema in the upper limb after radical mastectomy, were admitted to Department of Oncology Plastic Surgery of Hunan Cancer Hospital. Three patients suffered recurrent erysipelas infections, and 4 patients suffered consistent neuropathic pain in the upper limb. Free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap carrying lymphatic groin flap was used for breast reconstruction and lymphedema treatment. Operation was performed by 2 surgeon groups including recipient site prepare group and flap harvest group. In the 10 patients, the length of the flaps was (26.2±0.3) cm, the width of the flaps was (13.4±0.4) cm, and the thickness of the flaps was (3.4±0.3) cm. All the donor sites in the abdomen were closed directly. The choices of vascular pedicles and vessels in the recipient sites, operation time, complications, operation effects, and follow-up were recorded. Results: (1) Bilateral vascular pedicle was adopted in flaps of 5 patients. Unilateral vascular pedicle was adopted in flaps of 5 patients. The recipient vessels were proximal and distal ends of internal thoracic vessels in 4 cases, the proximal end of thoracodorsal vessels in 3 cases, the proximal end of internal thoracic vessels in 2 cases, and the proximal end of internal thoracic vessels and thoracodorsal vessels in 1 case. (2) The operation time of the patients was 330-480 (406±55) min. (3) Subcutaneous edema was observed in flaps of 2 patients and donor site of 1 patient, which were all healed by dressing change therapy. The other flaps survived successfully. The reconstructed breasts were in good shape and elasticity. Nine patients had different degrees of relief in lymphedema in the upper limb. All 10 patients were followed up for 6 to 28 months, no one had recurrent erysipelas infections, and neuropathic pain in the upper limb was relieved in 2 patients. Only linear scar was left in the donor sites of 10 patients, and the function of abdomen was not affected without related complications. Conclusions: Free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap carrying lymphatic groin flap can simultaneously accomplish breast reconstruction and upper limb lymphedema treatment, which is worthwhile to be popularized in clinic.

Uso da terapia por ondas de choque para o tratamento do linfedema associado ao câncer de mama: uma revisão sistemática / Use of shockwave therapy for the treatment of lymphedema associated to breast cancer: a systematic review

O linfedema associado ao câncer de mama é causa de prejuízo significativo da qualidade de vida deste grupo de pacientes e constitui complicação frequente das intervenções necessárias nesse tipo de câncer. Sabe-se que o tratamento utilizado no linfedema associado ao câncer de mama envolve a Terapia Física Complexa (TFC), cuja eficácia é limitada e não atua diretamente na patogênese dessa comorbidade. Conforme já demonstrado em alguns estudos, o uso da Terapia por Ondas de Choque (TOC) demonstra-se potencialmente benéfico para reduzir o linfedema pela indução de neoangiogênese e linfangiogênese. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da TOC no tratamento do linfedema associado ao câncer de mama comparado ao uso da TFC. Métodos: Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed/MedLine; BIREME; LILACS; The Cochrane Library e EMBASE, e através de busca manual de artigos. Adotou-se o método de pesquisa PICO e os descritores MeSH ajustados conforme a respectiva base de dados. Resultados: Foram encontrados um total de 262 artigos e selecionados por leitura do título ou resumo um total de 17 estudos. Seis foram excluídos por serem duplicatas, totalizando 11 artigos eleitos para verificação dos critérios de inclusão. Destes, nenhum artigo atendeu ao delineamento da metodologia proposta para esta revisão. Três deles se destacaram por se aproximarem mais da temática proposta e foram discutidos. Conclusão: É necessária a realização de estudos com qualidade metodológica adequada para avaliar o potencial benefício do uso da TOC, visando contribuir para a composição de um tratamento mais eficaz, seguro e que atue na patogênese da doença.

Lymphedema associated with breast cancer is a cause of significant impairment of the quality of life and is a frequent complication of the necessary interventions in this type of cancer. It is known that the treatment used in lymphedema associated with breast cancer involves Complex Physical Therapy (CPT), whose efficacy is limited and does not act directly in the pathogenesis of this comorbidity. As demonstrated in some studies, the use of Shock Wave Therapy (TSWT) is potentially beneficial in reducing lymphedema by inducing neoangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the impact of TSWT on the treatment of lymphedema associated with breast cancer compared to the use of CPT. Methods: The following databases were used: PubMed / MedLine; BIREME; LILACS; The Cochrane Library and EMBASE, and through manual article search. We adopted the PICO search method and the Mesh descriptors were adjusted according to the respective database. Results: A total of 262 articles were found and selected by reading the title or abstract a total of 17 studies. Six were excluded because they were duplicates, totaling 11 articles elected to verify the inclusion criteria. Of these, no article met the outline of the methodology proposed. Three of them were closer to the proposed theme and were discussed. Conclusion: It is necessary to carry out studies with adequate methodological quality to evaluate the potential benefit of the use of TSWT, in order to contribute to the composition of a more effective and safe treatment, that acts in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Efeito do uso do taping na redução do volume do linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama: revisão da literatura / Effect of taping as treatment to reduce breast cancer lymphedema: literature review

O linfedema é a complicação mais frequente no pós-operatório de câncer de mama, podendo afetar diretamente as atividades diárias. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o uso do taping como forma alternativa/auxiliar de tratamento na redução do linfedema. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura de artigos científicos indexados nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, MEDLINE, PEDro e Google Acadêmico, onde foram selecionados nove artigos científicos. Verificou-se que o uso do taping é uma técnica complementar na redução do linfedema, podendo ser uma forma alternativa de tratamento para a redução deste, apesar de não ser capaz de substituir a terapia compressiva multicamadas

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. It was found that taping is a complementary therapy for reducing lymphedema, which may be used as an alternative treatment method, but cannot substitute multilayer compression therapy.

Eficacia del tratamiento rehabilitador en mujeres con linfedema posmastectomía / Effectiveness of the rehabilitative treatment in women with postmastectomy lymphedema

Se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 20 féminas de 40-85 años de edad con linfedema posmastectomía, atendidas en los servicios de rehabilitación de los policlínicos docentes Ramón López Peña y Armando García Aspurú de Santiago de Cuba, desde agosto de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2013, con vistas a evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento rehabilitador, para lo cual se emplearon técnicas rehabilitadoras de drenaje linfático, kinesioterapia, terapia ocupacional y se hicieron evaluaciones evolutivas con escalas de dolor, fuerza muscular, grado articular y funcionalidad. Se obtuvo que 90 por ciento de las pacientes entre 40-59 años, con menos de 6 meses de evolución clínica, tuvieron mejores resultados al finalizar estudio, por lo que el tratamiento resultó eficaz

A therapeutic intervention study was carried out in 20 women aged 40-85 with postmastectomy lymphedema, assisted in the rehabilitation services of Ramón López Peña and Armando García Aspurú teaching polyclinics in Santiago de Cuba from August, 2012 to September, 2013, aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the rehabilitative treatment, for which rehabilitative techniques of lymphatic drainage, kinesitherapy, occupational therapy were used and evolutive evaluations with pain scales, muscular strength, articular movement and functionality were carried out. It was concluded that 90 percent of the patients aged 40-59, with less than 6 months of clinical course, had better results at the end of the study, so the treatment was effective

A retrospective study of lymphatic transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for breast cancer treatment-induced upper-limb lymphoedema.

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a common and intractable complication. To evaluate the possible complications of using lymphatic transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous/deep inferior epigastric perforator (TRAM/DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction and BCRL treatment, 20 patients with moderate or severe BCRL were retrospectively enrolled between November 2012 and October 2014. 10 patients had undergone lymphatic TRAM/DIEP flap surgery were assigned to the surgery group. 10 patients unwilling to undergo reconstruction were assigned to the physiotherapy group treated with traditional physical therapy. Upper-limb movement and circumference were measured and patients' subjective assessment was assessed using a questionnaire. In the surgery group, all flaps were successfully transferred. BCRL in 8 patients was improved by one level. The upper-limb circumference returned to normal in 1 case, and only 1 patient did not improve. In the physiotherapy group, a slight improvement was noted in 6 patients and unchanged in four cases. From the questionnaires, patients underwent lymphatic TRAM/DIEP flap surgery reported a significantly greater improvement in the affected limb (p < 0.05). In the physiotherapy group, the limb subjective did not improve as well as in the surgery group. Lymphatic TRAM/DIEP is a safe and effective option for patients who suffer from post-mastectomy lymphoedema.

Association Between Maximal Bench Press Strength and Isometric Handgrip Strength Among Breast Cancer Survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength among breast cancer survivors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling breast cancer survivors (N=295). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: 1-RM bench press strength was measured with a barbell and exercise bench. Isometric handgrip strength was measured using an isometric dynamometer, with 3 maximal contractions of the left and right hands. All measures were conducted by staff with training in clinical exercise testing. RESULTS: Among 295 breast cancer survivors, 1-RM bench press strength was 18.2±6.1kg (range, 2.2-43.0kg), and isometric handgrip strength was 23.5±5.8kg (range, 9.0-43.0kg). The strongest correlate of 1-RM bench press strength was the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (r=.399; P<.0001). Mean difference analysis suggested that the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands overestimated 1-RM bench press strength by 4.7kg (95% limits of agreement, -8.2 to 17.6kg). In a multivariable linear regression model, the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (ß=.31; P<.0001) and age (ß=-.20; P<.0001) were positively correlated with 1-RM bench press strength (R2=.23). CONCLUSIONS: Isometric handgrip strength is a poor surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among breast cancer survivors. 1-RM bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength quantify distinct components of muscular strength.

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. PARTICIPANTS: Women (N=105) undergoing radical breast cancer surgery who were matched for staging, age, and body mass index. INTERVENTIONS: Women (n=52) were submitted to MLD and 53 to active exercises for UL for 1 month and followed up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Shoulder ROM, surgical wound inspection and palpation, UL circumference measurements, and lymphoscintigraphy were performed in preoperative and postoperative periods. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups with regard to wound healing complications, ROM, and UL circumferences. After surgery, 25 (48.1%) of the MLD group and 19 (35.8%) of the active exercise group showed worsening in radiopharmaceutical uptake velocity, whereas 9 (17.3%) of the MLD group and 11 (20.8%) of the active exercise group showed improved velocity (P=.445). With regard to uptake intensity, 27 (51.9%) of the MLD group and 21 (39.6%) of the active exercise group showed worsening whereas 7 (13.5%) of the MLD group and 7 (13.2%) of the active exercise group showed some improvement (P=.391). The presence of collateral circulation was similar in both groups at both time points evaluated. The active exercise group had a significant increase in postoperative liver absorption (P=.005), and the MLD group had a significant increase in postoperative dermal backflow (P=.024). CONCLUSIONS: MLD and active exercise effects are equivalent with regard to morbidity. Minor changes in lymphatic function associated with either MLD or active exercises were not related to patients' symptoms or signs.

Lymphedema Characteristics and the Efficacy of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy in Malignant Lymphedema.

The aim of this study is to identify the lymphedema characteristics and the efficacy of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in 29 patients with malignant lymphedema. After CDP, total decreased volume of lymphedema was 306 mL, percentage of excess volume (PEV) changed from 43.4% to 22.7%, and lymphedema severity improved from severe to moderate status. The CDP efficacy-percentage reduction in excess volume (PREV) was 46.6%. The stage of lymphedema (P = .004), range of motion (P < .001), pain, heaviness, and tension scores (P < .001) were significantly improved after CDP. This shows that CDP is efficacious and useful in malignant lymphedema.