Modern Treatment of Lymphedema

Abstract

Postmastectomy upper extremity lymphedema is a distressing, disabling, potentially life-threatening consequence of breast cancer treatment. The swollen hand and arm cannot be disguised or hidden by a prosthesis. Lymphedema often causes repeated episodes of cellulitis and lymphangitis, eventual disability, and the need for expensive and time-consuming antibiotic therapy. Rarely, rapidly fatal lymphangiosarcoma (Stewart-Treves syndrome) follows.