Incidence of breast carcinoma-related lymphedema

BACKGROUND. Of the 2 million breast carcinoma survivors, perhaps 15-20% are living currently with posttreatment lymphedema. Along with the physical di scomfort and disfigurement, patients with lymphedema also must cope with th e distress derived from these symptoms. METHODS. To review the medical literature for the question of lymphedema in cidence, a comprehensive, computerized search was performed. All publicatio ns with subject headings designating breast carcinoma-related lymphedema fr om 1970 to the present (116 reports) were found, and each summary or abstra ct was read. Of the 116 reports, 35 discussed the incidence of lymphedema. Of these, seven reports since 1990 from five countries with the most releva nce to current patients were then chosen for greater analysis and compariso n. RESULTS. The incidence of lymphedema ranged from 6% to 30%. The source of p atients, length of follow-up, measurement techniques, and definition of lym phedema varied from report to report. In general, reports with shorter foll ow-up reported lower incidences of lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS. The definitive study to determine the incidence of lymphedema has not been performed to date. There has been no prospective study in whic h patients have been followed at intervals with accurate measurement techni ques over the long term. Cancer 1998;83:2776-81, (C) 1998 American Cancer S ociety.