2024-01-27 03:13:54
Treatment for most breast cancers begins with surgery. Because it is the most effective way to control breast cancer. But many patients experience lymphedema after surgery. Affects the quality of life in various aspects such as physical movement and concerns about symptoms
Dr. Thanawat Phet Ratchatachart rehabilitation medicine doctor Vejthani Hospital Explain that breast cancer surgery usually requires removing lymph nodes in the armpit. To assess the progression of the disease and to eliminate cancer that has spread to lymph nodes When the lymph nodes under the armpit are removed, lymphatic transport is disrupted. The lymph in that area increased. This results in blockage and subsequent lymphedema. Especially if you have undergone surgery to remove the lymph nodes under your armpits along with radiation therapy. There will be a more than 30% chance of arm lymphedema.
Lymphedema can occur in any breast cancer patient receiving treatment. Most patients are at highest risk of arm lymphedema during the first 3 years (12 – 30 months). Currently, there is no way to cure lymphedema completely. But the goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and return symptoms to the symptom-free period.
Standard methods for reducing lymphedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy or CDT, consisting of skin care, lymphatic drainage massage, use of stretch cloths or sleeves to reduce swelling, and exercise. which lymphatic drainage massage It is a massage to stimulate the lymphatic circulation system to work better. Swelling will decrease.
Nowadays, technology is being used to help stimulate the lymphatic system, called “negative pressure therapy machine” or Negative Pressure Therapy. The principle is that this tool will cause the tissue in the treated area to expand. As a result, the walls of the lymphatic capillaries expand. More waste can flow into the lymphatic vessels. This stimulates the mechanism of the lymphatic system to return to normal. The duration of the procedure is approximately 45 – 60 minutes/time. It is recommended to do it 3 times/week, for a total of 10 – 15 times. This can be done after surgery with a rehabilitation medicine doctor evaluating the patient on a case-by-case basis.
Advantages of stimulating the lymphatic system with a negative pressure therapy machine It is more effective in reducing lymphedema than massage. Reduce physical therapist fatigue. Reduces the risk of infection due to direct contact with sick people. While prohibitions on doing so are divided into 2 types:
- Absolute contraindications are patients with acute deep vein thrombosis, infection in the treated area, patients with congestive heart failure, edema from heart disease, kidney failure, and conditions with increased blood flow. In the veins or lymphatic system, it flows back into the heart.
- Prohibition mutatis mutandis (Considered on a case-by-case basis) Cancer patients, pregnant women People who have contraindications to manual lymphatic drainage massage
However, using the negative pressure therapy machine must be combined with skin care, using stretch cloths or arm sleeves to reduce swelling. and exercise To increase efficiency in reducing pain, reducing swelling, and increasing quality of life as much as possible.
“Recommended for breast cancer patients who have undergone surgery. You should return to see your doctor within 1 month after surgery. So that the doctor can assess various risks, including lymphedema. But if the patient notices that the swelling has occurred and is increasing more and more, they should hurry to see the doctor immediately without waiting for one month to complete.” Dr. Thanawat said
#Reduce #lymphedema #breast #cancer #patients #negative #pressure #therapy #Money #Banking #Magazine