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Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis
Published on: February 6, 2020
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Clinical Features, Microbial Epidemiology, and Recurrence Risk of Cellulitis in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Benjamin D Wagner1, Jonathan Rubin1, I-Hsin Lin2
1Department of Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
Annals of Surgical Oncology
|October 19, 2025
Summary
Cellulitis is a common complication of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), with a high recurrence rate. Radiotherapy, lymph node dissection, and early onset increase recurrence risk, necessitating proactive prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Lymphedema Management
Background:
- Cellulitis is a frequent and debilitating complication of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).
- Impaired lymphatic function in BCRL contributes to cellulitis development and lymphedema progression.
- The clinical and microbiological characteristics of BCRL-associated cellulitis require further definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of cellulitis in patients with BCRL.
- To identify risk factors associated with recurrent cellulitis in this population.
- To inform evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies for BCRL-associated cellulitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 418 cellulitis episodes in 231 patients with BCRL (2000-2024).
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, microbiological, and treatment data.
- Cox proportional hazards models used to identify risk factors for recurrent cellulitis.
Main Results:
- Cellulitis prevalence was 7.9% (231/2920), with a recurrence rate of 39.0% (90/231).
- Streptococcus agalactiae was the most common pathogen identified in positive blood cultures (24.2%).
- Independent risk factors for recurrence included radiotherapy (HR 2.15), axillary lymph node dissection (HR 1.96), and shorter time from BCRL diagnosis to initial cellulitis (HR 0.99).
Conclusions:
- Cellulitis represents a significant complication of BCRL with a substantial recurrence rate.
- Radiotherapy, axillary lymph node dissection, and early cellulitis onset are key predictors of recurrence.
- Proactive surveillance and risk-stratified prevention are crucial for managing BCRL-associated cellulitis and improving patient outcomes.
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