Invited Commentary

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) results in a significant disease burden in the US, and subsequently, a high cost burden. It is estimated that approximately 20% of breast cancer survivors experience BCRL, and although de-escalation of axillary surgery has reduced surgical BCRL, nodal radiation bears an expanded role, and given the improvements in overall survival, the evolving rates of BCRL remain uncertain.1 Further, while breast cancer is the most commonly associated cancer, survivors of gynecologic cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma, sarcoma, and urologic tumors may also experience treatment-related lymphedema.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: New England surgical society article Source Type: research