Physical therapists help detect lymphedema

BETHESDA, Md., May 26 (UPI) -- Preoperative assessments of breast cancer patients by physical therapists can result in diagnosis and successful treatment of lymphedema, U.S. researchers say.

A study demonstrated the effectiveness of early detection and treatment of lymphedema -- a chronic and often irreversible condition that can cause significant swelling of the upper and lower extremities due to the buildup of excess lymph fluid.

The research was done by the National Naval Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health in collaboration with the University of Michigan-Flint and George Mason University .

Nicole L. Stout Gergich of the naval center in Bethesda, Md., said the study provided a baseline preoperative assessment of 196 patients with breast cancer that included basic strength, range of motion, limb volume and physical activity level.

All study participants were monitored one month post-surgery and at three-month intervals thereafter for one year, even if they exhibited no swelling.

"Using both the pre- and postoperative assessments enabled us to diagnose lymphedema before it became visible, which is an unprecedented accomplishment," Stout said.

Once lymphedema was diagnosed in 43 of the patients, the condition was managed using a conservative compression garment, atypical of lymphedema treatment, Stout said.

The findings are published in the journal Cancer.