OBJECTIVES: Primary * Compare the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy vs standard management, in terms of reduction of lymphedema, in patients with chronic arm lymphedema after radiotherapy for cancer. Secondary * Determine the mechanisms of tissue reperfusion and healing in patients treated with HBO therapy. OUTLINE: This is a randomized study. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms. * Arm I: Patients undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy over 90 minutes 5 days a week for 6 weeks. * Arm II: Patients receive standard management. Patients are followed at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. Peer Reviewed and Funded or Endorsed by Cancer Research UK PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 63 patients (42 for arm I and 21 for arm II) will be accrued for this study.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * History of early breast cancer (T1-3, N0-1, M0) * Prior breast surgery with or without axillary dissection * Prior breast/chest wall radiotherapy with or without radiotherapy to the supraclavicular fossa and/or axilla, completed at least 2 years ago * Arm lymphedema * At least 15% increase in arm volume * No evidence of cancer recurrence * Hormone receptor status: * Not specified PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age * Over 18 Sex * Female or male Menopausal status * Not specified Performance status * Not specified Life expectancy * Not specified Hematopoietic * Not specified Hepatic * Not specified Renal * Not specified Pulmonary * No chronic obstructive airway disease * No bullous lung disease * No acute or chronic pulmonary infection * No uncontrolled asthma * No untreated pneumothorax Other * Physically and psychologically fit for HBO therapy * No claustrophobia * No epilepsy * No eustachian tube dysfunction * No recurrent attacks of vertigo * No contraindication to MRI (e.g., intracranial ferrous material) PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy * Not specified Chemotherapy * Not specified Endocrine therapy * Not specified Radiotherapy * See Disease Characteristics Surgery * See Disease Characteristics * No prior ear operations Other * No prior hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, except as treatment for decompression illness