Lymphedema: Current issues in research and management Journal Article


Authors: Petrek, J. A.; Pressman, P. I.; Smith, R. A.
Article Title: Lymphedema: Current issues in research and management
Abstract: Lymphedema is a common and troublesome problem that can develop following breast cancer treatment. As with other quality-of-life and nonlethal conditions, it receives less research funding and attention than do many other areas of study. In 1998, an invited workshop sponsored by the American Cancer Society reviewed and evaluated the current state of knowledge about lymphedema. Recommendations and research initiatives proposed by the 60 international participants are presented in the conclusion section of the article, following a summary of current knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, detection, and current treatment of lymphedema. The etiology of lymphedema is multifaceted; all of the factors that contribute to the condition and the nature of their interaction have not yet been identified. To compound the problem, methods of assessing the degree of arm and hand swelling vary and are not agreed upon, and reliable methods of assessing the functional impact of lymphedema have not yet been developed. In the absence of a cure for lymphedema, precautions and prevention are emphasized. Current treatments include elevation, elastic garments, pneumatic compression pumps, and complete decongestive therapy; surgical and medical techniques remain controversial. Elements and details of these treatments are described.
Keywords: controlled study; cancer surgery; clinical feature; clinical trial; united states; pathophysiology; cancer radiotherapy; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; lymph node metastasis; lymphoscintigraphy; lymphadenectomy; computer assisted tomography; controlled clinical trial; liver toxicity; breast cancer; incidence; diagnostic imaging; breast neoplasms; surgical approach; risk factor; lymph vessel; lymphedema; fibrosis; physiotherapy; lymph node biopsy; diuretic agent; skin graft; drug use; lymph flow; american cancer society; differential scanning calorimetry; coumarin derivative; congresses; pump; humans; human; female; priority journal; article; bioflavonoid; pneumatic tool
Journal Title: CA - A Cancer Journal for Clinicians
Volume: 50
Issue: 5
ISSN: 0007-9235
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell  
Date Published: 2000-09-01
Start Page: 292
End Page: 307
Language: English
PUBMED: 11075239
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.1002/caac.6170500505
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 18 November 2015 -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. Jeanne Ann Petrek
    91 Petrek