According to the results of the research published in the Cancer Journal, acupuncture may be an effective and safe alternative in the reduction of lymphedema after armpit surgery due to breast cancer
In early stage breast cancer Determining the spread of the disease to the axillary lymph nodes plays an important role in the staging phase. Since the first lymph nodes where the cancer will spread are sentinel nodes, the most frequently used method in this determination is sentinel lymph node biopsy. If the cancer is found to have spread to the sentinel lymph nodes, the patient will undergo a larger armpit lymph node surgery. The most common side effect after this surgery is lymphedema in the arms. In other words; Swelling that occurs due to the accumulation of lymph fluid in the arm
Lymphedema may occur immediately after surgery or may occur weeks, months or even years later. Approximately 30% of patients who recover from breast cancer are affected by lymphedema. This may cause discomfort to the patient, cause pain, or even depress him. Different methods are used under the control of a doctor for the treatment of lymphedema, and various strategies are applied to eliminate the disturbing effects. However, these strategies can be expensive and require ongoing intervention.
Researchers, who have made great efforts to identify complementary treatment options, conducted a pilot study in 33 patients with lymphedema aged 6 months to 5 years as a result of axillary surgery for breast cancer. Participating patients with lymphedema of 2 cm or more received acupuncture therapy twice a week for 4 weeks. The arm was measured before and after the treatment and data were recorded. After the 4-week treatment period, the participants were observed for 6 months, and their complaints and self-reported lymphedema status were determined.
As a result of the research, lymphedema in the arms of 11 patients was measured and it was observed that there was a 30% or more reduction, and this rate was found to be above 20% in 18 patients. The overall reduction rate of the arm when measured circularly was recorded as 0.90 cm. Most of the participating patients (76%) received all eight treatments, 21% missed one treatment and one patient missed two treatments.
No infection or any other serious side effects were encountered after the treatment. During the treatment period, minor complaints such as mild localized bruising or pain/tingling were noted in 14 of the 33 participating patients.
Researchers concluded that acupuncture may be effective and safe on lymphedema caused by breast cancer. Although research on the subject is ongoing, acupuncture can be considered as a complementary method that can reduce lymphedema for patients who have no other option.
However, one of the most important points in the prevention of lymphedema, which is a side effect in breast cancer, is to take precautions in the early postoperative period. Thus, it will not be necessary to seek alternatives for the unpleasant side effects that occur afterwards. The precautions to be taken to prevent lymphedema before treatment in breast cancer will be determined by your doctor and will ensure successful results in your treatment.
