While 1 out of every 8 women is at risk of developing breast cancer, 1 out of 4 women with this problem develops Elephant Disease (Lymphedema). This problem, which manifests itself with swelling in the arms and legs, also reduces the quality of life of people. Emphasizing that the most important treatment is to prevent the disease, Romatem Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital Physiotherapist Yeşim Ergen said, “Lymphedema can develop in a short time or it can manifest itself years later. Therefore, patient education is very important in stage 0 (patient in the risk group). Because every person who has undergone the diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer is at risk for this ailment.
According to the statement made by the World Health Organization (WHO) Cancer Control Unit regarding the cancer statistics of last year, it was stated that breast cancer, whose ratio among total cancers reached 11.7 percent, surpassed lung cancer, which is the most common type of the disease, on a global scale for the first time. This shows that the risk increases for diseases that develop simultaneously with breast cancer. First and foremost is Lymphedema, which results from the removal or damage of lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system, which is very important for keeping your body healthy, is of great importance.
The aim is to first reduce the swelling and then prevent it from occurring again.
Pointing out that lymphedema or lymphatic obstruction is a long-term condition in which excess fluid collects in the tissues and causes swelling (edema), Romatem Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital Physiotherapist Yeşim Ergen said, “As in any disease, early intervention is of great importance. Because swelling in the arms or legs reduces the quality of life of people. If no precautions are taken, you may find it difficult to do even simple daily activities such as walking and holding. Therefore, the greatest treatment is to prevent the disease. Patient education is very important in stage 0 lymphedema (patient in the risk group). It is explained what the patient can do and what he should pay attention to in order not to develop lymphedema. If swelling has developed, the patient should begin treatment without delay. The treatment to be applied in the patient who develops lymphedema is complex excretory physiotherapy. In this treatment method, the first goal is to reduce the patient’s edema, and the second goal is to prevent swelling again.
A Two-Stage Treatment Plan is Implemented
Ergen, who also gave information about the treatment of the disease, said: “In the first stage, the fluid accumulated between the tissues is transferred to the healthy lymph nodes with manual lymph drainage and it is aimed to help the fluid balance in the body. With manual lymph drainage, lymph flow is accelerated and pressure is applied. It is very important to adjust the pressure evenly in the bandage made using special techniques. Thanks to bandaging, the activity of the lymph system, which is activated after manual lymph drainage, is preserved. Other parameters are the exercise program and skin care specially prepared for the lymphedema patient, which will support the lymph flow with the help of a muscle pump. The second stage is passed after the lymphedema has decreased or the maximum level has been achieved. The treatment is terminated with a personalized compression garment prepared according to the patient’s measurements.“
Source: (BHA) – Beyaz News Agency
