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important new research findings for health-conscious readers”
BREAST CANCER, PHYSICAL THERAPY & Arm lymphedema, or chronic
swelling of the arm, occurs in 10 to 30 percent of women
following treatment for breast cancer. When the lymphatic
drainage network in the arm and hand has been disrupted by the
surgical removal of axillary (armpit) lymph nodes, or by
radiation therapy to the axilla (or, sometimes, following both
types of treatment), the delicate network of lymphatic vessels
that return excess tissue fluid back to the heart can become
obstructed. This lymphatic obstruction can then result in
chronic swelling of the hand and arm. Patients with significant
lymphedema of the arm following breast cancer treatment may
experience considerable swelling (edema), heaviness, stiffness
and discomfort of the affected hand and arm. Unfortunately,
there are no known effective methods available to prevent
lymphedema, and once significant lymphedema does develo