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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
[Upper limb lymphedema revealing breast cancer]
S Vignes1, M Arrault, S Bonhomme
1Unité de lymphologie, hôpital Cognacq-Jay, 15, rue Eugène-Millon, 75015 Paris, France. stephane.vignes@hopital-cognacq-jay.fr
Introduction:
Upper limb lymphedema occurs in 15 to 20% of patients after breast cancer treatment. Upper limb lymphedema without any history of neoplasia is an unusual situation. In this situation, breast cancer should be suspected.
Exegesis:
We reported two women, 53 and 67 years old, who developed upper limb lymphedema, 18 and 8 months before the diagnosis of breast cancer. In the two cases, clinical examination (breast and axillary palpation) was normal. In one case, mammography led to the diagnosis and in the other breast MRI was required to confirm the cancer.
Discussion:
Upper limb lymphedema may be the presenting clinical feature of breast cancer. Breast cancer should be actively sought despite normal clinical and radiological findings. Breast MRI is required in this situation.
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