Publication:

Lymphastim and breathing exercises in breast cancer-related lymphedema: a path to improved lung function and quality of life – a case report

Breast cancer incidence in India is rising, accounting for 66% of all cancers diagnosed in a year. Due to improvement in survival rates attributed to various treatment alternatives, emphasis on quality of life and secondary complications of breast cancer are of importance. Breast cancer related lymphadenopathy is a common complication in breast cancer treatment. A 76-year-old female, case of treated breast carcinoma, 5 years ago with radical mastectomy, presented with progressive, painless swelling of the left upper limb for 30 days. The swelling originated in the fingers and wrist, gradually extending proximally, restricting her functional activities. She also complained of progressive breathlessness, difficulty in doing day to day activities. Clinical examination and investigations, including arm circumference measurements, the modified Medical Research Council scale, pulmonary function tests, and the lymphedema quality of life questionnaire, confirmed significant lymphedema. The patient underwent lymphastim therapy with structured breathing exercises protocol for 4 weeks. Post-intervention assessments revealed a significant reduction in limb circumference, improved pulmonary function parameters (FEV1: 0.84 -1.06, FVC: 0.84 - 1.04), and an enhanced quality of life score (LYMQOL: 65 to 30) with relief from breathlessness and comfort in doing day to day activities. This case highlights the effectiveness of lymphastim and breathing exercises in reducing lymphedema-related morbidity and improving functional outcomes in breast cancer survivors.