Quality of Life and Limb: Reducing Lymphedema Risk After Breast Cancer Therapy

Upper extremity lymphedema is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, often requiring lifelong management and negatively affecting quality of life. In efforts to minimize this risk, the role of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has decreased over recent years.1,2 Radiation therapy to the regional lymphatics also affects the risk of lymphedema.3,4 Although lymphedema has been extensively studied, it continues to plague many women after breast cancer therapy. The following articles were selected to highlight the overlapping influence of risk factors for lymphedema; a novel surgical technique with the goal of decreasing the rate of lymphedema development; and common posttreatment teachings that are unsubstantiated by recent data.
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Feature Source Type: research