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Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Upper Extremity Subcutaneous Lymphatic Drainage "Lymphocentesis" for Symptom Relief in End-Stage Breast Cancer
Pamela Liao1,2, Kathleen Rossini2, Roberts Sauls1
11 Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Credit Valley Hospital, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Lymphedema is a challenging condition that occurs as a complication to many life-limiting medical conditions. It has a number of associated symptoms including pain, functional impairments, and emotional distress. Majority of treatment interventions have been studied and applied outside of the palliative care context. Subcutaneous drainage is a technique that has been used in some case reports for the lower extremity and sacrum with good results. This report describes an adapted technique of subcutaneous drainage for treating upper extremity lymphedema in the palliative setting.
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