Lymphoedema following surgery for breast cancer

Background: Lymphoedema is a common complication of breast cancer treatment , affecting approximately a quarter of patients. Those affected can have an uncomfortable, unsightly and sometimes functionally impaired limb prone to episodes of superficial infection. The aetiology, pathophysiology and mana gement of these patients is poorly understood. Methods: This is a systematic review of all published literature on lymphoe dema following treatment for breast cancer, using the Medline and Cinahl da tabases with cross-referencing of major articles on the subject up to the e nd of 1999. Results and conclusion: The aetiology and pathophysiology of lymphoedema in patients with breast cancer appear to be multifactorial and are still not fully understood. Although conservative treatment techniques can be very su ccessful in controlling symptoms, they do not afford a cure. The place of s urgical and pharmacological therapy remains unclear. Improved understanding of the pathophysiology may assist in reducing the incidence of this condit ion, or help to identify those at greatest risk, in whom early initiation o f conservative treatment measures may prove effective.