Chemotherapy port related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection.
The Mascagni lymphatic pathway comprises superficial channels along the clavicle that drain upper extremity lymph. A 65 year-old woman with recurrent left breast cancer presented with a non-functioning chemotherapy port in the right deltopectoral groove. She had undergone right mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). After port removal and wound closure she developed right upper extremity lymphedema. Patients who have undergone ALND may depend solely on this pathway for upper extremity lymphatic drainage.


METHODS
level V.
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health Systems, Detroit, MI, USA.
Zaahir
Z
Turfe
Lakeshore Health Partners - Breast Services, Holland, MI, USA.
Jane
J
Pettinga
Haute Ecole P.H. Spaak, Lympho-Phlebology Unit, Brussels, Belgium.
Olivier
O
Leduc
Academic Department, Physical Therapy, University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.
Albert
A
Leduc
Advanced Plastic Surgery, Grand Rapids, MI, USA; Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA. Electronic address: etimek@sbcglobal.net.
Ewa
E
Komorowska-Timek
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*; D034941:Upper Extremity; D062666:Vascular Access Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*
Breast cancer; Chemotherapy port; Lymphedema; Mascagni pathway