[Malignant lymphedema]

Malignant lymphatic oedema is due to the obstruction of lymph tracts and lymph nodes by tumour cells. In addition to the necessary cancer therapy and the administration of analgesics physical oedema therapy is the single most effective form of relief which is most gratefully accepted by the patients. The only contraindication to manual lymphatic drainage is transient in the case of isolated local and regional metastatic spread which would still respond to treatment. Thereafter, and in all other conditions involving metastatic spread, there are no contraindications to physical oedema therapy.