[Upper limb lymphedema revealing breast cancer].
BACKGROUND
Upper limb lymphedema occurs in 15 to 20% of patients after breast cancer treatment. Upper limb lymphedema without any history of neoplasia is an unusual situation. In this situation, breast cancer should be suspected.


METHODS
We reported two women, 53 and 67 years old, who developed upper limb lymphedema, 18 and 8 months before the diagnosis of breast cancer. In the two cases, clinical examination (breast and axillary palpation) was normal. In one case, mammography led to the diagnosis and in the other breast MRI was required to confirm the cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Upper limb lymphedema may be the presenting clinical feature of breast cancer. Breast cancer should be actively sought despite normal clinical and radiological findings. Breast MRI is required in this situation.
Vignes
S
S
Unité de lymphologie, hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène-Millon, 75015 Paris, France. stephane.vignes@hopital-cognacq-jay.fr
Arrault
M
M
Bonhomme
S
S
Spielmann
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001132:Arm; D001458:Bandages; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D010173:Palpation