Breast Cancer Presenting as Unilateral Arm Edema

Primary upper-limb lymphoedema

“…Moreover, only a few centres are equipped for scintigraphy, and interpretation of the findings remains subtle. But for ULL, particularly in women, breast cancer must be eliminated, as lymphoedema can be its first manifestation 4,5 . Clinical examination suffices to diagnose lymphoedema: finding a chronic and painless swelling beginning on the dorsal side of the hand.…”

“…For the forearm and upper arm, a 2‐cm difference in comparison with the contralateral limb was required to confirm the diagnosis, as previously published for ULL after breast cancer treatment 3 . Breast cancer was ruled out in all women before considering increased upper‐limb volume primary lymphoedema, based on mammography, ultrasonography and, sometimes, magnetic resonance imaging, because lymphoedema can be the first sign of breast cancer 4,5 . Other differential diagnoses, e.g.…”

“…3 Breast cancer was ruled out in all women before considering increased upper-limb volume primary lymphoedema, based on mammography, ultrasonography and, sometimes, magnetic resonance imaging, because lymphoedema can be the first sign of breast cancer. 4,5 Other differential diagnoses, e.g. lymphoedema-associated rheumatic diseases, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, skin diseases, thoracic outlet syndrome or infections, were ruled out clinically.…”

Lymphœdèmes secondaires des membres

“…La survenue d'un lymphoedème du membre supérieur chez une femme sans antécédent particulier doit faire chercher [par l'examen clinique, l'écho-mammographie, l'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM)] un cancer du sein dont le lymphoedème peut être la première manifestation [36,37]. Un écho-Doppler est systématique lors de l'apparition ou l'aggravation d'un lymphoedème [38].…”

Medical Issues in Cancer Survivors—A Review

“…59 Radiation therapy is a risk factor for developing lymphedema, as the radiation damages lymphatic channels while killing tumor cells. These damaged lymphatic channels may then scar down and no longer drain the lymph fluid, thus, causing swelling in the irradiated area.…”