venalot and Breast-Neoplasms

Lymphoedema of the arm is a disabling complication of surgery for cancer of the breast. It occurs in a significant proportion of patients and tends to occur later after the operation. Radiation increases the incidence. It needs to be differentiated for tumour recurrence and venous obstruction. Aetiology may include surgical technique, radiation and infection. Prevention is important as treatment is difficult. Treatment may include drugs, particularly benzopyrones, and enzymes, physiotherapy, elastic sleeves and surgery.

Topics: Arm; Breast Neoplasms; Coumarins; Diuretics; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Hydroxyethylrutoside; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphedema; Mastectomy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Radiotherapy; Surgical Wound Infection