Adipose Tissue Dominates Chronic Arm Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer: An Analysis Using Volume Rendered CT Images

Brorson, Håkan; Ohlin, Karin; Olsson, Gaby; Nilsson, Mats

doi:10.1089/lrb.2006.4404

Cited by 166 publications

(115 citation statements)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

110

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…• Preoperative investigation with volume-rendered computer tomography (VRCT) in 11 women showed a significant preoperative increase of adipose tissue in the swollen arm, the excess volume consisting of 81% (range 68-96) fat [24].…”

Section: Excess Subcutaneous Adiposity and Chronic Lymphedemamentioning

confidence: 99%

Liposuction Normalizes – in Contrast to Other Therapies – Lymphedema-Induced Adipose Tissue Hypertrophy

Brorson

2013

Handchir Mikrochir plast Chir

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The various types of treatment of lymphedema are under discussion and there has been some controversy regarding liposuction for lymphedema. Although it is clear that conservative therapies such as complex decongestive therapy (CDT) and controlled compression therapy (CCT) should be tried in the first instance, options for the treatment of late-stage lymphedema that is not responding to such treatment is not so clear. Improvements in technique, patient preparation, and patient follow-up have led to a greater and a wider acceptance of liposuction as a treatment for lymphedema. This paper outlines the benefits of using liposuction and presents the evidence to support its use.

show abstract

Section: Excess Subcutaneous Adiposity and Chronic Lymphedemamentioning

confidence: 99%

Liposuction Normalizes – in Contrast to Other Therapies – Lymphedema-Induced Adipose Tissue Hypertrophy

Brorson

2013

Handchir Mikrochir plast Chir

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Lymphedema is a chronic disease caused by impairment of the lymphatic transport capacity, resulting in edema, excess of tissue proteins, and in latter stages, inflammation and irreversible changes such as fibrosis and excess of adipose tissue [1]. Lymph transport impairment and clinical signs of lymphedema can be acquired (secondary) or congenital (primary).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lymphatic venous anastomosis (LVA) for treatment of secondary arm lymphedema. A prospective study of 11 LVA procedures in 10 patients with breast cancer related lymphedema and a critical review of the literature

Damstra

Voesten

Schelven

et al. 2008

Breast Cancer Res Treat

169

149

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Objective The incidence of breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) varies between 7-35% depending on the combination of treatment modalities. Early detection of BCRL is crucial in order to start an effective non-operative treatment program. Because of the lack of prospective research on this topic, this study was undertaken to prospectively determine the effect of Lympho Venous Anastomosis (LVA) on BCRL and to review the current literature. Study design and methods Ten patients who were previously treated for breast cancer by surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and were unresponsive to 12-weeks of non-operative treatment, underwent an LVA procedure (Degni-Cordeiro). Objective measurements were gathered for circumferential measurement and water volumetry, and quality of life. Various types of lymphoscintigraphy were carried out pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3 and 12 months. Treatment was embedded in a multidisciplinary setting. Results Post-operative volume measurements initially showed a 4.8% reduction of lymphedema at 3 months and a 2% reduction after one year. Various scintigraphic parameters showed some improvement. Quality of life questionnaires reported minimal improvement. Reviewing the literature, only retrospective studies were found; these reported varying results for LVA procedures. The selection of patients, classification of lymphedema, indications and types of LVA, and additional therapeutic options were heterogeneous, not comparable, and lacked a validated method of effect-assessment. Conclusions Our results showed a minimal reduction in volume of lymphedema following LVA; in the literature, there was no convincing evidence of the success of LVA. Non-operative treatment and elastic stockings are still preferred by most patients with lymphedema, especially in early stages with few irreversible changes.Keywords Lympho-venous anastomosis (LVA) Á Microsurgery Á Evidence-based medicine Á Lymphoscintigraphy Á Inverse water volumetry Á Review Á Breast cancer related lymphedema

show abstract

“…Conservative measures and lymphovenous bypass may improve lymphatic flow in the early stages of pitting lymphedema when predominantly fluid remains in the tissues. Once non-pitting edema occurs, the overall accumulation of fat in the tissue can only effectively be removed by liposuction or excisional techniques [25].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of liposuction for treatment of arm lymphedema from breast cancer: A prospective study and review of the literature

2015

Integr Cancer Sci Therap

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Lymphedema is a dreaded complication of breast cancer treatment affecting 20% of women having axillary node dissection. We explored the feasibility of liposuction to reduce volume and thus arm lymphedema. A prospective trial of women with unilateral arm lymphedema from breast cancer treatment was conducted. Arm measurements, volumes (water displacement and geometric calculation), muscle strength differences and quality of life/functionality were measured pre-operatively and post-operatively at 6 weeks, 6 months and yearly up to 5 years.Six patients had liposuction. Average age was 52.8 yrs. Average percent volume reductions at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year were 70%, 47%, 71% mls geometrically and 63%, 18%, 54% by water displacement. 1 patient had cellulitis at 4 months and had no other adverse events. Quality of life and functionality were not statistically significant. Pain decreased. Mean grip strength improved.Liposuction can safely reduce volume of arm lymphedema and may improve functionality/quality of life. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to validate the durability of these early results.

show abstract

Adipose Tissue Dominates Chronic Arm Lymphedema Following Breast Cancer: An Analysis Using Volume Rendered CT Images

Cited by 166 publications

References 16 publications

Liposuction Normalizes – in Contrast to Other Therapies – Lymphedema-Induced Adipose Tissue Hypertrophy

Liposuction Normalizes – in Contrast to Other Therapies – Lymphedema-Induced Adipose Tissue Hypertrophy

Lymphatic venous anastomosis (LVA) for treatment of secondary arm lymphedema. A prospective study of 11 LVA procedures in 10 patients with breast cancer related lymphedema and a critical review of the literature

Feasibility of liposuction for treatment of arm lymphedema from breast cancer: A prospective study and review of the literature

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About