Low-level laser therapy helps breast cancer-related lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling due to engorgement with lymph fluid. In the case of  breast cancer it occurs after therapies that remove lymph nodes and damage delicate lymph vessels cause a stagnation of the lymph fluid. Breast cancer-related lymphedema is uncomfortable and a risk factor for infection due to impaired lymphatic drainage in the affected arm. A paper just published in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer reports on the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT, also known as 'cold' laser therapy to distinguish it from cutting surgical lasers) in the treatment of BCRL. The authors begin by observing:

"Breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic disease, and currently there is no definitive treatment for it...Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used in the treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema since 2007 in the US. The aim of this study is to review our short-term experience with LLLT in the treatment of BCRL."

The authors assessed the circumferences of both affected and unaffected arms (swelling), pain, restriction due to scars, and range of motion of the affected arm to gauge the impact of LLLT. The outcomes led to this conclusion:

"Patients with BCRL received additional benefits from LLLT when used in conjunction with standard lymphedema treatment. These benefits include reduction in limb circumference, pain, increase in range of motion and scar mobility. Additionally, two cycles of LLLT were found to be superior to one in this study."

Note: Low-level laser therapy is widely available (including at Lapis Light), comfortable and non-invasive.