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Current Breast Cancer Reports
Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports 2/2017

01-06-2017 | Local-Regional Evaluation and Therapy (EP Mamounas, Section Editor)

Diagnostic Methods, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Past, Present, and Future Directions

Authors: Hoda E. Sayegh, Maria S. Asdourian, Meyha N. Swaroop, Cheryl L. Brunelle, Melissa N. Skolny, Laura Salama, Alphonse G. Taghian

Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic, adverse, and much feared complication of breast cancer treatment, which affects approximately 20% of patients following breast cancer treatment. BCRL has a tremendous impact on breast cancer survivors, including physical impairments and significant psychological consequences. The intent of this review is to discuss recent studies and analyses regarding the risk factors, diagnosis, prevention through early screening and intervention, and management of BCRL.

Recent Findings

Highly-evidenced risk factors for BCRL include axillary lymph node dissection, lack of reconstruction, radiation to the lymph nodes, high BMI at diagnosis, weight fluctuations during and after treatment, subclinical edema within and beyond 3 months after surgery, and cellulitis in the at-risk arm. Avoidance of potential risk factors can serve as a method of prevention. Through establishing a screening program by which breast cancer patients are measured pre-operatively and at follow-ups, are objectively assessed through a weight-adjusted analysis, and are clinically assessed for signs and symptoms, BCRL can be tracked accurately and treated effectively. Management of BCRL is done by a trained professional, with research mounting towards the use of compression bandaging as a first line intervention against BCRL. Finally, exercise is safe for breast cancer patients with and without BCRL and does not incite or exacerbate symptoms of BCRL.

Summary

Recent research has shed light on BCRL risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and management. We hope that education on these aspects of BCRL will promote an informed, consistent approach and encourage additional research in this field to improve patient outcomes and quality of life in breast cancer survivors.
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Metadata
Title
Diagnostic Methods, Risk Factors, Prevention, and Management of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Past, Present, and Future Directions
Authors
Hoda E. Sayegh
Maria S. Asdourian
Meyha N. Swaroop
Cheryl L. Brunelle
Melissa N. Skolny
Laura Salama
Alphonse G. Taghian
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Breast Cancer Reports / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1943-4588
Electronic ISSN: 1943-4596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-017-0237-8

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Local-Regional Evaluation and Therapy (EP Mamounas, Section Editor)

New Guidelines on the Adequacy of Lumpectomy Margin Width in Patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Psycho-Oncology and Supportive Care (E Shinn and C Fagundes, Section Editors)

Mechanisms of Neurotoxic Symptoms as a Result of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment: Considerations on the Contribution of Stress, Inflammation, and Cellular Bioenergetics

Invited Commentary

Targeting HER2/3 in Breast Cancer

Local-Regional Evaluation and Therapy (EP Mamounas, Section Editor)

Current Trends in Localization Techniques for Non-palpable Breast Lesions: Making the Invisible Visible
Webinar | 19-02-2024 | 17:30 (CET)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on antibody–drug conjugates in cancer

Watch now

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel agents that have shown promise across multiple tumor types. Explore the current landscape of ADCs in breast and lung cancer with our experts, and gain insights into the mechanism of action, key clinical trials data, existing challenges, and future directions.

Dr. Véronique Diéras
Prof. Fabrice Barlesi
Developed by: Springer Medicine
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