Easy Volumeter in Detection of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Validity Study

Engin, Onur; Akalin, Elif; Sarıbay, E.; Aslan, Ceren; Şahin, Ebru; Alper, Sibel

doi:10.1089/lrb.2018.0040

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 20 publications

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“…In 2018, Engin et al (64) used a new volumeter called 'easy volumeter' to measure water displacement with regard to the limb volume in patients with BCRL. The easy volumeter was designed for home use and is more durable, lightweight and easier to clean than a standard volumeter (64). In this study, the measurements from easy volumeters were valid and consistent with those of standard volumeters, suggesting that it was a promising tool to investigate BCRL (64).…”

Section: Diagnosis and Surveillancesupporting

confidence: 61%

Lymphedema in survivors of breast cancer (Review)

et al. 2020

Oncol Lett

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The tremendous improvement of survival in patients with breast cancer can be attributed to several treatment strategies, but these strategies also lead to the occurrence of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). BRCL is regularly associated with factors such as axillary lymph node dissection and local lymph node radiotherapy and manifests as an increase of >10% in the volume of affected limbs. Being overweight or having obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 ), an excessive number of positive lymph nodes (>8) and capsular invasion by a tumor are additional risk factors for lymphedema. It is worth assessing the risk before surgery as this can prevent the occurrence of BCRL at the initial stage of breast cancer management. The clinical utility of many diagnostic tools and lymphedema surveillance allows early stage and even subclinical BCRL to be diagnosed, and allows real-time monitoring of the disease. The early diagnosis of BRCL allows treatment at an early stage, which is beneficial to the reduction of excess limb volume and the improvement of quality of life. At present, the major therapeutic methods of BCRL include complex decongestive therapy, pneumatic compression devices, participating in exercise, microsurgery and liposuction, each of which alleviates lymphedema effectively. No medications for treatment of BRCL have yet been developed. However, the recent findings on the success of molecular therapy in animal models may remedy this deficiency. Furthermore, the volume reduction of swollen limbs without swelling rebound by transplanting autologous stem cells has been successfully reported in some pilot studies, which may provide a new technique for treating BCRL. This review aimed to discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, risk factors, advantages and disadvantages of diagnostic tools, lymphedema surveillance and the characteristics of traditional and newly emerging BCRL treatments.

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Section: Diagnosis and Surveillancesupporting

confidence: 61%