Abstract
Objective: To analyze the benefits and applicability of complex decongestive physiotherapy in the treatment of disorders caused by the presence of upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery (radical mastectomy). Bibliographical Review: Breast cancer has been highlighted in recent decades with great incidence in women, with radical mastectomy being one of the approaches to treatment, which can generate late complications, the upper limb lymphedema. The objective of the treatment goes beyond aesthetic reasons, it seeks to avoid repeated infections, progression of limb volume increase, trophic skin alterations and disability. The complex decongestive physiotherapy is a highly recommended technique which is composed of manual lymphatic drainage, compression clothing and skin care, improving the pathological condition of the lymphedema, being recognized as the gold standard of treatment due to the benefits. Final considerations: The present study demonstrated the effectiveness of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy in improving the quality of life of women with upper limb lymphedema, where the techniques according to the evidence presented evolve significantly the quality of life of affected patients.