Experiences of Living With Non-Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Implications for Clinical Practice

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4639448
AutoresLisa K Bogan (United States Navy), Janet M Powell, Brian J Dudgeon (University of Washington, Seattle)
Año2007
Volumen17
Número2
Páginas213-224
Fecha de publicación2007-02-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732306297660
PMID17220392
OpenAlexW2153048507
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas20

Lymphedema is a chronic medical condition caused by lymphatic insufficiency that can lead to extreme swelling and susceptibility to infection. Physical and psychosocial effects of the condition can have a significant impact on an individual's life and level of participation. Research about experiences of individuals living with lymphedema has focused primarily on women with breast cancer, yet individuals with non-cancer-related lymphedema are a distinct group. In this study, the authors used qualitative description to explore the experience of 7 individuals living with advanced and complicated cases of lymphedema who had been treated in an inpatient setting. Findings reveal the extensive impact lymphedema has on those who live with it. Participants spoke of difficulty finding a correct diagnosis and effective treatment, the importance of their inpatient experiences, and the challenges of daily self-management. The authors make recommendations to increase lymphedema awareness, promote inpatient treatment programs, and create effective self-management techniques

Breast cancer · Cancer · Family medicine · Lymphedema · Physical therapy · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Qualitative research · Cancer survivorship and care · Diagnosis and Treatment of Venous Diseases · Lymphatic System and Diseases · Medicine