ICG Lymphography Confirms the Presence of an Alternative Lymph Drainage Pathway Following Long-Term Manual Therapy: A Case for Preserving Traditional MLD Approaches.

ABSTRACT: Background and Clinical Significance: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic condition affecting up to 20% of breast cancer survivors. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has traditionally included techniques to redirect lymph flow toward alternative pathways when axillary drainage is impaired. However, emerging imaging techniques suggest that most lymph continues to drain toward the ipsilateral axilla, and this has led to the widespread uptake of treatment protocols that exclude traditional redirecting movements, even in cases where personalized imaging is unavailable. Case Presentation: This case report describes a woman with BCRL affecting the right arm and hand who underwent 3 years of conservative lymphedema therapy, including MLD and self-massage techniques th

SUBMITTER: Wakefield M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12196954 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature