Levenhagen K, Davies C, Perdomo M, Ryans K, Gilchrist L, et al.
Physical therapy. Date of publication 2017 Jul 1;volume 97(7):729-745.
1. Phys Ther. 2017 Jul 1;97(7):729-745. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzx050.
Diagnosis of Upper Quadrant Lymphedema Secondary to Cancer: Clinical Practice
Guideline From the Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Levenhagen K(1), Davies C(2), Perdomo M(3), Ryans K(4), Gilchrist L(5).
Author information:
(1)Saint Louis University, Doisy College of Health Sciences, Department of
Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, St Louis, Missouri.
(2)Rehabilitation Services Baptist Health Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky.
(3)University of Southern California, Division of Biokinesiology and Physical
Therapy, Los Angeles, California.
(4)Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York.
(5)St Catherine University, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, 601 25th Avenue
South, Minneapolis, MN 55454.
The Oncology Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
developed a clinical practice guideline to aid the clinician in diagnosing
secondary upper quadrant cancer-related lymphedema. Following a systematic review
of published studies and a structured appraisal process, recommendations were
written to guide the physical therapist and other health care clinicians in the
diagnostic process. Overall clinical practice recommendations were formulated
based on the evidence for each diagnostic method and were assigned a grade based
on the strength of the evidence for different patient presentations and clinical
utility. In an effort to maximize clinical applicability, recommendations were
based on the characteristics as to the location and stage of a patient's upper
quadrant lymphedema.
© American Physical Therapy Association 2017. Published by Oxford University
Press [on behalf of the American Physical Therapy Association].
DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzx050
PMCID: PMC5803775
PMID: 28838217 [Indexed for MEDLINE]