Photobiomodulation in vulvar lymphedema: case report

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the clinical response of photobiomodulation in a patient presenting vulvar lymphedema subsequently to previous surgical treatment for carcinoma. The 70-year-old patient  had symptoms of vulvar discomfort, pain, and edema for three years, resulting in a decrease of quality of life . Previous drug treatments in order to  improve blood flow had been attempted without success. The new therapeutic proposal was  photobiomodulation ,employing a low-intensity laser to reduce vulvar edema and improve clinical symptoms. A 660 nm laser was used and following parameters was considered :  irradiance of 100 mW/cm2, radiant energy of 20 J/cm2, 40 seconds per point, in 10 points at the vulvar region. Weekly treatments were performed, totaling 7 applications. Clinically, it was observed a decrease of edema, improvement in pain and discomfort, and a positive response in quality of life. The 12 months follow-up was performed and no recurrence was observed . The molecular, cellular, and systemic photobiomodulation action, generates biochemical, anti-edematous, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neoangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects thus can be considered an option for vulvar lymphedema mainly because it is a noninvasive and safe therapy without adverse effects.