[Physical rehabilitation in mastectomized women]

The paper highlights the importance of rehabilitation programmes for women subjected to radical mastectomy. Within the Milan National Tumour Institute, the activity promoted by the antalgic and Rehabilitation Department concerning some 700 patients per annum takes in 3 phases: information; prevention; treatment of the disease. After thorough psychological and medical observation of the patient, all available treatment methods are deployed on conditions which present in the form of hypomobility of the homolateral extremity, lymphangitis, lymphoedema and possibly neurological damage to the brachial plexus. The results of this rehabilitation programme have meant a notable reduction in the forms and have led to rapid return to society.