REVIEW ARTICLE
Breast cancer related lymphoedema: a review of contemporary preventive strategies
Saam S. Tourani MD, PhD, FRACS, CCPU,
Corresponding Author
Saam S. Tourani MD, PhD, FRACS, CCPU
Northern Clinical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Correspondence
Saam S. Tourani, 66 Waverley Rd Chadstone, 3148, VIC, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorSaam S. Tourani MD, PhD, FRACS, CCPU,
Corresponding Author
Saam S. Tourani MD, PhD, FRACS, CCPU
Northern Clinical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Correspondence
Saam S. Tourani, 66 Waverley Rd Chadstone, 3148, VIC, Australia.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorS. S. Tourani MD, PhD, FRACS, CCPU.
Abstract
Secondary lymphoedema remains an incurable long-term complication of breast cancer treatment. Prevention is our best chance against this debilitating condition. Strategies for selective de-escalation of oncological therapies have continued to evolve over the last few decades to reduce the incidence of this feared complication. In this manuscript we first review the current strategies in de-escalation of axillary treatment. We then review the current evidence for immediate lymphatic reconstruction in those high-risk patients who cannot be spared from more aggressive axillary management.
Conflict of interest
None declared.
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