While there is no cure, treatment may improve outcomes. This commonly include compression therapy, good skin care, exercise, and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), which together is known as combined decongestive therapy. MLD is most effective in mild to moderate disease. In breast cancer-related<unk> , MLD is safe and may offer added benefit to compression bandages for reducing swelling. Most people with<unk>  can be medically managed with conservative treatment. Diuretics are not useful. Surgery is generally only used in those who are not improved with other measures. Compression Garments<unk>  compression sleeve on a mannequin Once a person is diagnosed with<unk> , compression becomes imperative in the management of the condition. Garments are often intended to be worn all day but may be taken off for sleeping unless otherwise prescribed. Elastic compression garments are worn on the affected limb following complete de-congestive therapy to maintain edema reduction. Inelastic garments provide containment and reduction. Available styles, options, and prices vary widely. A professional garment fitter or certified<unk>  therapist can help determine the best option for the patient. Bandaging Compression bandaging, also called wrapping, is the application of layers of padding and short-stretch bandages to the involved areas. Short-stretch bandages are preferred over long-stretch bandages (such as those normally used to treat sprains), as the long-stretch bandages cannot produce the proper therapeutic tension necessary to safely reduce<unk>  and may in fact end up producing a tourniquet effect. Compression bandages provide resistance that assists in pumping fluid out of the affected area during exercise. This counter-force results in increased lymphatic drainage and therefore a decrease in size of the swollen area. Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPC) utilizes a multi-chambered pneumatic sleeve with overlapping cells to promote movement of lymph fluid. Pump therapy should be used in addition to other treatments such as compression bandaging and manual lymph drainage. Pump therapy has been used a lot in the past to help with controlling<unk> . In some cases, pump therapy helps soften fibrotic tissue and therefore potentially enable more efficient lymphatic drainage. However, reports link pump therapy to increased incidence of edema proximal to the affected limb, such as genital edema arising after pump therapy in the lower limb. Current literature has suggested the use of IPC treatment in conjunction with Kinesiotape (KT) is more effective in the overall reduction of<unk>  as well as increasing shoulder ROM than the traditional treatment of IPC paired with complete decongestive therapy. Kinesiotape (KT) is an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive that is used commonly used to relieve the discomfort and disability associated with sports injuries, but in the context of<unk> , this increases the space between the dermis and the muscle which increases the opportunity for lymphatic fluid to flow out naturally. The use of IPC treatments with KT tape as well as subsequent lymphatic drainage has proven to significantly reduce the circumference of lymphatic limbs in patients experiencing<unk>  secondary to breast cancer postmastectomy. Exercise In those with<unk>  or at risk of developing<unk> , following breast cancer treatment, resistance training did not increase swelling and decreases in some, in addition to other potential beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Moreover, resistance training and other forms of exercise were not associated with an increased risk of developing<unk>  in people who previously received breast cancer-related treatment. Compression garments should be worn during exercise (with the possible exception of swimming). Physical therapy treatment of patients with<unk>  may include trigger point release, soft tissue massage, postural improvement, patient education on condition management, strengthening, and stretching exercises. Exercises may increase in intensity and difficulty over time, beginning with passive movements to increase range of motion and progressing towards using external weights and resistance in various postures. Surgery The treatment of<unk>  is usually conservative, however the use of surgery is proposed for some cases. Suction assisted lipectomy (SAL), also known as liposuction for<unk> , may help improve chronic non pitting edema if present. The procedure removes fat and protein and is done along with continued compression therapy. Vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) and lymphovenous bypass are supported by tentative evidence as of 2017 but is associated with a number of complications. Laser therapy Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of<unk>  in November 2006. According to the US National Cancer Institute, LLLT may be effective in reducing<unk>  in some women. Two cycles of laser treatment were found to be reduce the volume of the affected arm in approximately one-third of people with postmastectomy<unk>  at 3 months post-treatment.
Lymphedema
Lipodystrophy
Pustulosis
Chronic venous insufficiency
Scleredema
Phimosis
Lymphangitis
Lipedema