Breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL): An overview of the literature and updates in microsurgery reconstructions

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2019 Jul;45(7):1138-1145. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2019.01.004. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Dharmais hospital. The treatment can give rise to breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema (BCRL) that will cause significant morbidities. Based on author's (BB) patient series in Dharmais hospital, BCRL occurred in 27.7% after axillary lymph nodes dissection (ALND). The development of diagnostic modalities as well as lymphatic microsurgery have become promising instruments for lymphedema treatment. To date, modern approach of lymphedema care and surgical intervention have not been recognized and established in Indonesia. A literature review in this field is needed to overcome our limitation in BRCL or lymphedema management.

Keywords: Breast; Cancer; Lymph node; Lymphedema; Microsurgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anastomosis, Surgical / methods
  • Axilla
  • Breast Cancer Lymphedema / diagnosis
  • Breast Cancer Lymphedema / etiology
  • Breast Cancer Lymphedema / physiopathology
  • Breast Cancer Lymphedema / surgery*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cytoreduction Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Indonesia
  • Lymph Node Excision / adverse effects
  • Lymph Nodes / transplantation*
  • Lymphatic Vessels / surgery
  • Lymphography
  • Lymphoscintigraphy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Mastectomy / adverse effects
  • Microsurgery / methods*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
  • Venules / surgery