Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment

Özet

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disorder resulting from impaired lymphatic system function. In developedcountries, upper extremity lymphedema is mainly the consequence of breast cancer surgery in which axillary lymphnode dissection and radiation alter upper extremity lymphatic flow.Diagnosis of lymphedema is made clinically. Nevertheless, there are numerous diagnostic tools available for diseasestaging. Recently, a new technology namely magnetic resonance lymphangiography has emerged in the medicalfield to assist in both diagnosis and management.There are non-surgical and surgical treatment options available. Non-surgical methods are always the first-linetreatment; however, surgical options can be explored in appropriate patients. Recent studies focus on the prevention of lymphedema using surgical techniques utilizing axillary reverse mapping to delineate arm lymphatics fromaxillary lymphatics.Finding the most suitable technique for each type of lymphedema with variable stages is one of the most complicated decisions for practitioners. More studies are needed to reveal the exact biology of lymphedema to ensurecomplete understanding of the disease and improve outcomes.