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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
05:44
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Lymphoedema in urological cancer
A A Okeke1, D O Bates, D A Gillatt
1Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK.
European Urology
|December 12, 2003
Summary
Lower limb and genital lymphoedema following urological cancer treatment causes significant morbidity. Its exact incidence and pathophysiology remain unclear, necessitating further research into underlying vascular and lymphatic issues.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Lymphedema Research
Background:
- Lymphoedema of the lower extremities and genitalia is a significant complication following urological cancer treatment.
- The condition leads to serious patient morbidity, with incidence rates varying widely based on tumor type and stage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the diagnosis, pathology, and treatment of lower limb and genital lymphoedema in the context of urological cancer.
- To explore potential pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to lymphoedema development post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of epidemiological, surgical, and scientific literature.
- Inclusion of personal clinical experience in treating patients with lower limb lymphoedema.
Main Results:
- Lymphoedema significantly impacts patient quality of life, with incidence potentially reaching 50% in advanced penile carcinoma cases.
- The etiology is often iatrogenic or malignancy-related, but the precise pathophysiology is not well understood.
Conclusions:
- While breast cancer-related lymphoedema research suggests vascular and lymphatic involvement, direct parallels to lower limb lymphoedema are yet to be established.
- Further investigation is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of urological cancer-related lower limb and genital lymphoedema.
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