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Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Jul 2023Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a lifelong risk for breast cancer survivors and once acquired becomes a lifelong burden. This review summarizes... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a lifelong risk for breast cancer survivors and once acquired becomes a lifelong burden. This review summarizes current BCRL prevention and treatment strategies.
FINDINGS
Risk factors for BCRL have been extensively studied and their identification has affected breast cancer treatment practice, with sentinel lymph node removal now standard of care for patients with early stage breast cancer without sentinel lymph node metastases. Early surveillance and timely management aim to reduce BCRL incidence and progression, and are further facilitated by patient education, which many breast cancer survivors report not having adequately received. Surgical approaches to BCRL prevention include axillary reverse mapping, lymphatic microsurgical preventative healing (LYMPHA) and Simplified LYMPHA (SLYMPHA). Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) remains the standard of care for patients with BCRL. Among CDT components, facilitating manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) using indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography has been proposed. Intermittent pneumatic compression, nonpneumatic active compression devices, and low-level laser therapy appear promising in lymphedema management. Reconstructive microsurgical techniques such as lymphovenous anastomosis and vascular lymph node transfer are growing surgical considerations for patients as well as liposuction-based procedures for addressing fatty fibrosis formation from chronic lymphedema. Long-term self-management adherence remains problematic, and lack of diagnosis and measurement consensus precludes a comparison of outcomes. Currently, no pharmacological approaches have proven successful.
CONCLUSION
Progress in prevention and treatment of BCRL continues, requiring advances in early diagnosis, patient education, expert consensus and novel treatments designed for lymphatic rehabilitation following insults.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Cancer Lymphedema; Lymphedema; Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Risk Factors; Lymph Node Excision
PubMed: 37103598
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06947-7 -
Wounds : a Compendium of Clinical... Mar 2020The lymphatic system is arguably the most neglected bodily system. As a result, its contribution to human health and disease is not well understood. In this review, the... (Review)
Review
The lymphatic system is arguably the most neglected bodily system. As a result, its contribution to human health and disease is not well understood. In this review, the clinical approaches based on new knowledge and developments of the lymphatic system are covered. The lymphatic system has 3 major functions: (1) the preservation of fluid balance; (2) a nutritional function, as intestinal lymphatics are responsible for fat absorption; and (3) host defense. Lymph vessels return the capillary ultrafiltrate and escaped plasma proteins from most tissues back, ultimately, to the blood circulation. Hence, lymphatics are responsible for maintaining tissue (and plasma) volume homeostasis. Impaired lymph drainage results in peripheral edema (lymphedema) and may have more far-reaching effects on cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension and atherosclerosis. Lymphatics have an important immune surveillance function, as they represent the principal route of transport from tissues for antigen and immune cells. Intestinal lymphatics (lacteals) are responsible for most fat absorption, first documented by Gaspare Aselli in 1627, when the lymphatic system was discovered. A relationship between fat and lymphatics may exist well beyond the gut alone. Fat deposition is a defining clinical characteristic of lymphedema. Suction-assisted lipectomy of lymphedema has shown the swelling is not just fluid but is dominated by fat. Lymphatics are the preferred route for the metastatic spread of cancer. Accordingly, the lymphatic system may be important for defense against cancer by generating immune responses to malignant cell antigens. Preventing lymphatic entry and propagation of malignant metastasis would effectively render the cancer nonfatal. As one can see, the lymphatic circulation is fundamentally important to cardiovascular disease, infection and immunity, cancer, and, in all likelihood, obesity - 4 of the major challenges to health care in the 21st century.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic System; Lymphedema; Lymphoscintigraphy
PubMed: 32163039
DOI: No ID Found -
Circulation Research Jun 2021Lymphedema is a common, complex, and inexplicably underappreciated human disease. Despite a history of relative neglect by health care providers and by governmental... (Review)
Review
Lymphedema is a common, complex, and inexplicably underappreciated human disease. Despite a history of relative neglect by health care providers and by governmental health care agencies, the last decade has seen an explosive growth of insights into, and approaches to, the problem of human lymphedema. The current review highlights the significant advances that have occurred in the investigative and clinical approaches to lymphedema, particularly over the last decade. This review summarizes the progress that has been attained in the realms of genetics, lymphatic imaging, and lymphatic surgery. Newer molecular insights are explored, along with their relationship to future molecular therapeutics. Growing insights into the relationships among lymphedema, obesity, and other comorbidities are important to consider in current and future responses to patients with lymphedema.
Topics: Chronic Disease; Fibrosis; Humans; Inflammation; Lymphangiogenesis; Lymphatic Vessels; Lymphedema; Lymphography; Lymphoscintigraphy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Microsurgery; Obesity; Stem Cell Transplantation; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34110905
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318307 -
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers Oct 2021Lymphoedema is the swelling of one or several parts of the body owing to lymph accumulation in the extracellular space. It is often chronic, worsens if untreated,... (Review)
Review
Lymphoedema is the swelling of one or several parts of the body owing to lymph accumulation in the extracellular space. It is often chronic, worsens if untreated, predisposes to infections and causes an important reduction in quality of life. Primary lymphoedema (PLE) is thought to result from abnormal development and/or functioning of the lymphatic system, can present in isolation or as part of a syndrome, and can be present at birth or develop later in life. Mutations in numerous genes involved in the initial formation of lymphatic vessels (including valves) as well as in the growth and expansion of the lymphatic system and associated pathways have been identified in syndromic and non-syndromic forms of PLE. Thus, the current hypothesis is that most cases of PLE have a genetic origin, although a causative mutation is identified in only about one-third of affected individuals. Diagnosis relies on clinical presentation, imaging of the structure and functionality of the lymphatics, and in genetic analyses. Management aims at reducing or preventing swelling by compression therapy (with manual drainage, exercise and compressive garments) and, in carefully selected cases, by various surgical techniques. Individuals with PLE often have a reduced quality of life owing to the psychosocial and lifelong management burden associated with their chronic condition. Improved understanding of the underlying genetic origins of PLE will translate into more accurate diagnosis and prognosis and personalized treatment.
Topics: Drainage; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lymphedema; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34675250
DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00309-7 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Sep 2023Lipedema is a loose connective tissue disease characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue in the limbs of women. Despite its incidence of 10-20%,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lipedema is a loose connective tissue disease characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue in the limbs of women. Despite its incidence of 10-20%, lipedema is often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed.
OBJECTIVES
This review aims to outline current, available evidence regarding this enigmatic syndrome and gives a synopsis of the subjects that are still unknown.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed and Embase searches were conducted to identify relevant articles on lipedema pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
RESULTS
Lipedema can be considered a disease of the adipocytes or a circulatory disorder of the lymphatics. The relationship between lymphatics and adipose tissue remains controversial. The clinical distinction between lipedema, lymphedema, phlebolymphedema, and lipolymphedema can be difficult. Diagnoses often coexist, further complicating the diagnosis of lipedema, which is currently made on clinical grounds alone. The value of diagnostic imaging studies is unclear. Liposuction appears to be an effective treatment and significantly improves symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Diagnosing lipedema remains a challenge due to its heterogeneous presentation, co-existing diseases, and lack of objective diagnostic imaging. Further directions for research include the effect of excess skin resection surgery on lymphatic drainage.
Topics: Humans; Female; Lipedema; Diagnosis, Differential; Lymphedema; Lipectomy; Connective Tissue Diseases
PubMed: 37390539
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.05.056 -
International Journal of Gynecological... Feb 2020Lower extremity lymphedema is a chronic, often irreversible condition that affects many patients treated for gynecologic malignancies, with published rates as high as... (Review)
Review
Lower extremity lymphedema is a chronic, often irreversible condition that affects many patients treated for gynecologic malignancies, with published rates as high as 70% in select populations. It has consistently been shown to affect multiple quality of life metrics. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, incidence, trends, and risk factors associated with lower extremity lymphedema secondary to the treatment of cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancers in the era of sentinel lymph node mapping. We review traditional and contemporary approaches to diagnosis and staging, and discuss new technologies and imaging modalities. Finally, we review the data-based treatment of lower extremity lymphedema and discuss experimental treatments currently being developed. This review highlights the need for more prospective studies and objective metrics, so that we may better evaluate and serve these patients.
Topics: Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Leg; Lymphedema; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 31915136
DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-001032 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2023Primary lymphedema is a heterogeneous group of conditions encompassing all lymphatic anomalies that result in lymphatic swelling. Primary lymphedema can be difficult to... (Review)
Review
Primary lymphedema is a heterogeneous group of conditions encompassing all lymphatic anomalies that result in lymphatic swelling. Primary lymphedema can be difficult to diagnose, and diagnosis is often delayed. As opposed to secondary lymphedema, primary lymphedema has an unpredictable disease course, often progressing more slowly. Primary lymphedema can be associated with various genetic syndromes or can be idiopathic. Diagnosis is often clinical, although imaging can be a helpful adjunct. The literature on treating primary lymphedema is limited, and treatment algorithms are largely based on practice patterns for secondary lymphedema. The mainstay of treatment focuses on complete decongestive therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy. For those who fail conservative treatment, surgical treatment can be an option. Microsurgical techniques have shown promise in primary lymphedema, with both lymphovenous bypass and vascularized lymph node transfers demonstrating improved clinical outcomes in a few studies.
Topics: Humans; Lymphedema; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Algorithms; Lymph Nodes
PubMed: 37241126
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050894 -
Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal... 2021Cancer-related lymphedema is the result of surgical operation or radiation therapy of the corresponding lymph nodes and is due to the obstruction of the lymphatic... (Review)
Review
Cancer-related lymphedema is the result of surgical operation or radiation therapy of the corresponding lymph nodes and is due to the obstruction of the lymphatic drainage in the affected area. In lymphedema the lymphatic stasis causes an inflammatory reaction that leads to the proliferation of adipose tissue and fibrosis, resulting in mild to severe permanent swelling of the affected part of the body. It is more often found in the upper extremities of women with breast cancer. It may, however, appear at one or more extremities and may include the corresponding quadrant of the trunk. It may also affect head and neck, breast, genitals and lower extremities, depending on the surgery the patient has undergone. It is often associated with obesity (BMI>40). Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema is related with better therapeutic outcome. Women with breast cancer confront more problems with lymphedema than with mastectomy. Its effect on patients' quality of life is relevant to changes in body image, self-esteem, feelings of weakness, fear and anxiety about disease progression, financial costs, and reduced limb function. More recent studies support the effectiveness of contemporary surgical techniques in lymphedema's treatment. In conservative management, CDT remains the treatment of choice and in combination with exercise, weight control programs and self-care training seems to significantly improve patients' quality of life.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lymphedema; Male; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34761576
DOI: No ID Found -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jul 2022Lymphedema is a chronic disabling condition affecting a growing number of patients worldwide. Although lymphedema is not life-threatening, several reports underlined... (Review)
Review
Lymphedema is a chronic disabling condition affecting a growing number of patients worldwide. Although lymphedema is not life-threatening, several reports underlined detrimental consequences in terms of distress, pain, functional impairment, and infections with a relevant decrease in quality of life. Currently, there is no cure, and the therapeutic management of this condition aims at slowing down the disease progression and preventing secondary complications. Early diagnosis is paramount to enhance the effects of rehabilitation or surgical treatments. On the other hand, a multidisciplinary treatment should be truly integrated, the combination of microsurgical and reductive procedures should be considered a valid strategy to manage extremity lymphedema, and rehabilitation should be considered the cornerstone of the multidisciplinary treatment not only for patients not suitable for surgical interventions but also before and after surgical procedures. Therefore, a specialized management of Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons and Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine physicians should be mandatory to address patients' needs and optimize the treatment of this disabling and detrimental condition. Therefore, the aim of this review was to characterize the comprehensive management of lymphedema, providing a broad overview of the potential therapy available in the current literature to optimize the comprehensive management of lymphedema and minimize complications.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Humans; Lower Extremity; Lymph Nodes; Lymphedema; Quality of Life; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 35888673
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070954 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Jul 2020
Review
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymphedema; Mass Screening; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32442064
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.19.02896