From Anatomy to Quality of Life: The Impact of Physiotherapy on Limb Changes in Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

Lymphedema remains a prevalent yet often overlooked consequence of cancer, silently burdening patients with more than just visible swelling. Beneath the surface, it disrupts mobility, weakens musculature, and impairs sensory function. This study synthesizes current evidence on the morphometric, biomechanical, and sensory alterations associated with cancer-related lymphedema and examines how these impairments intersect with patient-reported quality of life outcomes. Through a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and Scopus, studies published from 2000 onwards were screened for inclusion. Eligible articles assessed patients with stage I-III lymphedema and reported on range of motion, muscle strength, sensory perception, body composition, and quality of life. Twenty-three studies met the criteria. Findings consistently point to reduced grip strength, restricted shoulder mobility, altered sensory feedback, and an unfavorable shift in body composition, namely, increased fat mass relative to muscle in affected limbs. These physical disruptions were closely tied to declines in multiple quality of life domains, including emotional well-being, social participation, body image, and role functioning. Altogether, the evidence reveals that cancer-related lymphedema is a multidimensional condition with persistent functional and sensory repercussions. Early multidisciplinary interventions, with physiotherapy as a core component, appear essential not only for managing symptoms but also for preserving long-term physical autonomy and psychosocial resilience among survivors.