Psychosocial stress and quality of life with lymphoedema

Although quality of life studies have gained in importance over the past fe w years, there have been hardly any studies which adress the stress of dise ase in chronic lymphoedema. The few published articles discuss mainly women with secondary lymphoedema following treatment of breast cancer. They show that these patients suffer from numerous functional psychological stress f actors. in addition to the limitations of mobility of the extremity affecte d, many women find it hard to accept their new, disproportionate bodies. Co upled with the limitation in work and performance capability, this means re duced self-esteem and quality of life for many patients. Additional studies using improved methods of recording quality of life are needed to recogniz e patients subjected to high levels of anticipated stress and to treat them appropriately.