Upper extremity lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer: A review of the literature

    Authors

    K. D. Meneses;M. P. McNees

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Ostomy Wound Manag.

    Keywords

    upper extremity lymphedema; breast cancer; review; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL; SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY; ARM VOLUME; MEASUREMENTS; FOLLOW-UP; AXILLARY DISSECTION; MORBIDITY; SURGERY; THERAPY; WOMEN; RISK; Surgery

    Abstract

    Upper extremity lymphedema - a common, poorly understood, and relatively understudied complication of cancer therapy - is a progressive and debilitating condition for which no cure is available. While advances in cancer treatment have lowered the incidence of lymphedema, lymph node trauma is often inevitable and the number of cancer survivors and elderly are increasing. A review of the literature suggests that research is needed to better understand the incidence and magnitude of upper extremity lymphedema; develop reliable and valid lymphedema risk assessment instruments; improve collaborative research efforts among skin, wound, and cancer investigators; and develop evidence-based lymphedema prevention and treatment protocols. Currently available evidence also indicates that increased clinician and patient awareness and education may help reduce the risk of lymphedema-associated complications through early detection and prompt interventions.

    Journal Title

    Ostomy Wound Management

    Volume

    53

    Issue/Number

    5

    Publication Date

    1-1-2007

    Document Type

    Review

    Language

    English

    First Page

    16

    Last Page

    29

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000246899300003

    ISSN

    0889-5899

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