Abstract
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.
MeSH terms
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Arm
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Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
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Coumarins / therapeutic use
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Diuretics / therapeutic use
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Drug Combinations / therapeutic use
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Female
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Humans
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Hydroxyethylrutoside / analogs & derivatives
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Hydroxyethylrutoside / therapeutic use
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Lymph Node Excision
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Lymphedema / etiology
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Lymphedema / prevention & control*
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Mastectomy / adverse effects*
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Physical Therapy Modalities
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Radiotherapy / adverse effects
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Surgical Wound Infection / complications
Substances
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Coumarins
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Diuretics
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Drug Combinations
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Hydroxyethylrutoside
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Venalot