Abstract

Panagiotou A., Nastoulis E., Bakirtzis D., Papadopoulos P., Tsonga Th., Fiska A. and Kapetanakis S.

The upper extremity breast cancer related lymphedema is a result of the surgery and /or radiation in the axillary lymph node due to interference of the lymphatic drainage of the affected area. Lymphedema is presented as a chronic swelling of the limb followed by pain, changes in the appearance of the skin, difficulty in moving of the joints and infections. These symptoms significantly affect the quality of life of the patient. The main risk factors for developing lymphedema include stage of cancer, the type of surgery, the surgical removal or/and radiation of axillary lymph nodes, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, the exposure to high temperatures and obesity. Lymphedema is irreversible so it is imperative to inform patients about risk factors and how to prevent and control it when is installed. In this point exercise can have significant benefits for breast cancer survivors during and after treatment. Furthermore participation in an upper body exercise program caused no changes in arm circumference or arm volume in women with lymphedema after breast cancer and exercise generally encourages skeletal muscle contractions to provide the primary pumping mechanism for lymphatic and venous drainage and therefore stimulates the contraction of lymph vessels.