Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Treatment of Breast Edema Related to Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Proposal
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Keywords
Breast edema, breast cáncer, rehabilitation
Abstract
In recent decades, breast cancer has maintained a high incidence and mortality rate in women in Costa Rica. Despite improvements in survival rates, this has led to an increase in individuals experiencing associated complications. Among these complications, although often overlooked, is breast edema. It is crucial to recognize and address this condition, as it can contribute to well-known psychological, physical, social, and emotional repercussions. Consulted bibliographic references support the use of measuring tissue dielectric constant as an effective and quantifiable diagnostic method for assessing edema. While visible signs during physical examination can also indicate edema, they lack quantifiability for monitoring. Rehabilitative management is grounded in teaching simple methods, such as breast lymphatic drainage massage, along with the application of advanced technologies like deep oscillations and other complex physical therapies, which are consensus-based approaches in lymphedema management.
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