Background: Lymphedema occurs commonly in cancer survivors. It is crucial to properly assess cancer patients in order to distinguish lymphedema from general edema and to initiate evidence based treatment.
Purpose: To provide evidence based recommendations for screening, evaluating, and treating lymphedema and to establish the role of the nurse in the care of patients with lymphedema.
Methodology: Comprehensive overview with narrative literature review of evidence based lymphedema diagnosis and treatment.
Findings: Cancer-related edema represents numerous complex conditions. A variety of interventions are needed to address prevention, early detection, patient education, and effective treatment.
Conclusion: Lymphedema treatment is complex and multimodal, and is provided by an interdisciplinary team of properly trained professionals. Nurses play a major role in evaluating, treating and educating patients on the signs and symptoms of cancer-related edema and patient self-management.
Clinical implications: Evidence-based assessment and treatment should be initiated early to improve outcomes and quality of life in patients with cancer-related lymphedema.