Breast and gynecologic cancer-related extremity lymphedema: a review of diagnostic modalities and management options

 World Journal of Surgical Oncology 2013

Gynecologic oncology perspective on lower extremity lymphedema

The American Cancer Society estimates that there are more than one million gynecologic
cancer survivors currently living in the United States [69]. As this number continues to grow,
more awareness of long-term complications related to the disease and its treatment are
gaining attention. Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) has been largely understudied and is
one of these unintended consequences. Currently, data on LEL as a result of gynecologic
malignancies has been limited to retrospective studies and has been hindered due to a lack of
standard diagnostic evaluations and assessments, making the diagnosis elusive [70,71].......

Conclusions
The management of lymphedema remains a complex entity that requires knowledge of the
underlying pathophysiology. Patients with breast or gynecologic malignancy are at risk for
the development of lymphedema, particularly in the setting of lymphadenectomy and/or
radiation treatment. Although management with physical therapy remains the primary
treatment, exciting new surgical treatments are under active investigation