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Review
. 2020 Apr;9(2):596-602.
doi: 10.21037/gs.2020.03.20.

The impact of radiation on lymphedema: a review of the literature

Omar Allam  1 , Kitae E Park  1 , Ludmila Chandler  1 , Mohammad Ali Mozaffari  1 , Maham Ahmad  1 , Xiaona Lu  1 , Michael Alperovich  1
Affiliations
Review

The impact of radiation on lymphedema: a review of the literature

Omar Allam et al. Gland Surg. 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Radiation therapy (RT) is a common adjunct therapy in oncology. However, it carries a significant risk of lymphedema when utilized in some anatomic locations. Recent studies have provided insight into lymphedema pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, and RT. This review will examine the role of RT in upper and lower extremity lymphedema. Radiation's role in increasing the risk of lymphedema through decreased lymphatic proliferation potential, interstitial fibrosis compressing lymphatic vessels, and mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system will be reviewed.

Keywords: Radiation; breast carcinoma; gynecological cancer; lymphedema; radiotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/gs.2020.03.20). The series “Lymphedema” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. XL serves as the unpaid editorial board member of Gland Surgery from Aug 2019 to Jul 2021 and served as the unpaid Guest Editor of the series. The other authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Radiation and surgical induced factors leading to lymphedema.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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