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Updated: Oct 9, 2025
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Published on: January 12, 2017
Primary lymphedema of breast, a case report
Lana R A Pshtiwan1, Zuhair D Hammood1, Abdulwahid M Salih2
1Smart Health Tower, Madam Mitterrand Street, Sulaimani, Kurdistan, Iraq.
Introduction:
Lymphedema affects the extremities of breast cancer patients post-surgical or radiation therapy. This study aims to report a case of primary lymphedema of breast.
Case Presentation:
A 41-year-old female presented with right breast swelling. It associated with hotness and intermittent mastalgia for the past 8 years. Ultrasound (US) examination showed diffuse trabeculate, skin thickening and edematous with normal glandular tissue. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed diffuse homogeneous parenchymal enhancements with diffuse tranecular and skin edema (high signal on Short-TI Inversion Recovery (STIR)). The result of the biopsy showed normal breast tissue and lymph node.
Discussion:
The major risk factors of lymphedema are breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy, axillary lymph node dissection, length and location of breast incision, taking biopsy, trauma, wound infection. Forearm is the most common site of swelling. Primary lymphedema of the breast is a very rare condition without a known risk factor.
Conclusion:
Although it is rare, primary lymphedema can affect the breast. US and MRI are necessary to exclude other pathologies. It is managed conservatively.
