Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema: A Review of Recent Developments

Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema: A Review of Recent Developments

With improved methods of detection and advancing treatment paradigms, breast cancer outcomes continue to improve. Along with this improved survivorship, an increased focus on long term sequelae of treatment must occur. Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) represents one of the most frequently recognized complications following breast cancer treatment and has been found to be associated with the extent of locoregional therapy. With regards to incidence rates, several randomized trials have found that with utilization of less aggressive axillary staging (i.e., sentinel lymph node biopsies), that rates of BCRL are reduced compared with axillary lymph node dissections.