Lymphedema diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up from the view point of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists

Özet

Lymphedema is an incurable, debilitating and progressive condition, leading to physical and psychosocial consequences for the patients,if left untreated. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) specialist is responsible for the differential diagnosis and evaluationof the patient to tailor management and rehabilitation strategies. Therefore, the PMR specialist must have knowledge and educationon the diagnosis of disease and possible complications as well as evaluation, treatment and follow-up of the patient. In this review, thepathophysiology, epidemiology, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of lymphedema as well as preventive strategies and follow-upstrategies are discussed in the light of the current literature.