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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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complex decongestive therapy  listen  (KOM-plex DEE-kun-JEH-stiv THAYR-uh-pee)

  Treatment to reduce lymphedema (swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in tissue). This therapy uses massage to move the fluid away from areas where lymph vessels are blocked, damaged, or removed by surgery. This helps remove extra fluid. The affected area is then wrapped in a special bandage. Later, a compression garment (tight-fitting, elastic piece of clothing) is worn to keep fluid from building up again.