Impact of Physical Therapy in Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Case Report

Introduction: Breast Cancer is responsible for 2.09 million cases and 6,27,000 deaths worldwide, as per WHO. In India, women have one of the most common cancer, accounting for 14 per cent of all women's cancers. Numerous risk factors are present, such as ethnicity, aging, hormones, family medical history, genetic abnormalities, and unhygienic lifestyles. Side effects of cancer treatment may be alleviated by exercise interventions. Physical- therapy has been shown to be effective in post-operative situations. It improves the functioning of the patient and the quality of life.

Presenting Symptoms and Diagnosis: Main symptoms from the patient were pain in the upper extremity, lack of control, power and range of motion. The main clinical results in this case have been a severe decrease in the range of shoulder joint motion. Reduced strength in the upper extremity muscles and swelling (lymphoedema) in the upper extremity. Diagnosis of the case was Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma that was confirmed by Ultrasonography and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology. In such cases, behavioural approaches have been shown to be effective.

Therapeutic Intervention and Outcomes: Physical therapy intervention involves a variety of range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, resistance conditioning, breathing exercises, lymphoedema treatment and scar management.

Conclusion: This intensive outpatient program is a successful way to enhance the mobility of the shoulder and ROM during the initial 6-week treatment cycle after surgery.