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Global impact of lymphedema on quality of life and society

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Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic disorder of the lymphatic system characterized by the accumulation of interstitial fluid in tissues. It affects millions of individuals worldwide, resulting in significant disability and morbidity. Despite its prevalence, it is often an underappreciated clinical entity. In this narrative review, we critically examined and synthesized currently available peer-reviewed literature on the global epidemiology, pathophysiology, and societal burden of lymphedema. Most patients have a secondary cause of lymphedema, such as lymphatic filariasis, mostly prevalent in Asia, South America, and Africa. A smaller proportion of lymphedema is secondary to malignancy or post-oncological treatment. Breast cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, and melanoma are most often associated with causing lymphedema secondary to nodal involvement. Several tools have been developed to assess the effect of lymphedema on quality of life which can cause personal and financial impacts on those affected. Lymphedema is a globally prevalent but underappreciated disease in the developed and developing world. Lymphedema causes a significant burden on quality of life and financial stability to patients. Therefore, awareness among the healthcare team and patient education on prevention and minimizing morbidity are crucial. 

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Queen’s School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Katrina M. Jaszkul

  2. Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada

    Kaveh Farrokhi, Valera Castanov, Kathryn Minkhorst, Erica Ai Li, Stephanie Kim & Khalifa Al-Ghanim

  3. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada

    Valera Castanov, Kathryn Minkhorst, Stephanie Kim, Khalifa Al-Ghanim & Andrew Simpson

  4. Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada

    Lauren Sano

  5. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

    Stephen Keelan

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All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by Khalifa AlGhanim, Kaveh Farrokhi, and Erica Ai Li. The first draft of the manuscript was written in subsections by all authors and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Jaszkul, K.M., Farrokhi, K., Castanov, V. et al. Global impact of lymphedema on quality of life and society. Eur J Plast Surg 46, 901–913 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-023-02094-w

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