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The pathophysiology of lymphedema
1Department of Physiological Medicine (Dermatology), St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
Cancer
|January 5, 1999
Summary
Chronic arm edema after breast cancer treatment, known as postmastectomy edema (PME), stems from lymphatic system damage. Hemodynamic factors also contribute to this persistent swelling.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Lymphedema Research
Background:
- Edema arises from an imbalance in capillary filtration and lymphatic drainage.
- Investigated mechanisms of chronic arm edema post-breast carcinoma treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the underlying mechanisms of chronic arm edema following breast cancer treatment.
- To review the pathophysiology of postmastectomy edema (PME).
Main Methods:
- Literature review of lymphedema causes.
- Analysis of recent research on capillary filtration as a lymph flow surrogate.
Main Results:
- Reduced interstitial protein concentration suggests lymphatic obstruction is not the sole cause.
- Increased arm blood flow and vascular bed size observed in some PME patients.
Conclusions:
- Axillary lymphatic system damage from surgery/radiotherapy is the primary cause of PME.
- Hemodynamic factors play a significant contributory role in chronic swelling.