Kayıran O, De La Cruz C, Tane K, Soran A, et al.
Turkish journal of surgery. Date of publication 2017 Jun 1;volume 33(2):51-57.
1. Turk J Surg. 2017 Jun 1;33(2):51-57. doi: 10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870.
eCollection 2017.
Lymphedema: From diagnosis to treatment.
Kayıran O(1)(2), De La Cruz C(3), Tane K(1), Soran A(1).
Author information:
(1)Division of Breast Surgery and Lymphedema Program, Magee-Womens Hospital of
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA.
(2)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltalimani Hospital,
İstanbul, Turkey.
(3)Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center, Pittsburgh, USA.
Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disorder resulting from impaired
lymphatic system function. In developed countries, upper extremity lymphedema is
mainly the consequence of breast cancer surgery in which axillary lymph node
dissection and radiation alter upper extremity lymphatic flow. Diagnosis of
lymphedema is made clinically. Nevertheless, there are numerous diagnostic tools
available for disease staging. Recently, a new technology namely magnetic
resonance lymphangiography has emerged in the medical field to assist in both
diagnosis and management. There are non-surgical and surgical treatment options
available. Non-surgical methods are always the first-line treatment; 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 from axillary 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 ensure complete understanding of the disease
and improve outcomes.
DOI: 10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3870
PMCID: PMC5508242
PMID: 28740950
Conflict of interest statement: Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was
declared by the authors.
