Diagnosis and Treatment of Edema and Lymphedema in the Cancer Patient.

BACKGROUND

Lymphedema occurs commonly in cancer survivors. It is crucial to properly assess cancer patients in order to distinguish lymphedema from general edema and to initiate evidence based treatment.

PURPOSE: To provide evidence based recommendations for screening, evaluating, and treating lymphedema and to establish the role of the nurse in the care of patients with lymphedema.

METHODOLOGY: Comprehensive overview with narrative literature review of evidence based lymphedema diagnosis and treatment.

FINDINGS: Cancer-related edema represents numerous complex conditions. A variety of interventions are needed to address prevention, early detection, patient education, and effective treatment.

CONCLUSION

Lymphedema treatment is complex and multimodal, and is provided by an interdisciplinary team of properly trained professionals. Nurses play a major role in evaluating, treating and educating patients on the signs and symptoms of cancer-related edema and patient self-management.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Evidence-based assessment and treatment should be initiated early to improve outcomes and quality of life in patients with cancer-related lymphedema.