Lymphedema in women treated for breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is to discuss the etiologic factors, prevention, and current treatment options for lymphedema, which may occur after breast cancer.


BACKGROUND
Lymphedema can develop in the breast cancer patient as a result of the interruption of lymphatic flow from postsurgical, postradiation, and infectious causes. It can present at various points after breast cancer treatment and may range from mild to a seriously disabling enlargement. Because lymphedema is permanent, the goal of treatment options is the control of edema, and a multidimensional approach to care is often needed.


CONCLUSIONS
In the past, there has been limited research in this area. Because lymphedema is essentially an incurable condition, healthcare providers should be aware of techniques such as sentinel-node biopsy that could significantly decrease its incidence. In addition, it is important that each patient's treatment include education and prevention precautions.
Loudon
L
L
Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
Petrek
J
J
D001458:Bandages; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index