Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2018 , Vol 64 , Num 3

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

Pınar Borman 1-2
1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medicine Faculty of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
2 Hacettepe University Lymphedema Practice and Research Center, Ankara, Turkey
DOI : 10.5606/tftrd.2018.3539 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 evaluation of the patient to tailor management and rehabilitation strategies. Therefore, the PMR specialist must have knowledge and education on the diagnosis of disease and possible complications as well as evaluation, treatment and follow-up of the patient. In this review, the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of lymphedema as well as preventive strategies and follow-up strategies are discussed in the light of the current literature. Keywords : Diagnosis; follow-up; lymphedema; physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist; treatment