Breast cancer-related lymphedema in postmastectomy patients receiving adjuvant irradiation: A prospective study

Late locoregional complications associated with adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Results of this study corroborate those in prior literature, demonstrating higher chances of lymphedema in groups treated by surgery and RT compared to the group submitted to exclusive surgical treatment . Fergusson et al appropriately warns about possible sampling bias, since it is not clear how the women were included in the comparison groups.…”

“…Because the studies included in this systematic review spanned the years from 1983 to 2015, they cover a variety of equipment, protocols, and RT fractionation, we also a lack of standardization in the planning and administration of RT and a diversity of methods used to diagnose the same late complication . For example, the addition of RT to the supraclavicular fossa and internal mammary lymph node chains (regional node radiation) has complicated the evaluation and definition of lymphedema . Furthermore, these complications are time‐dependent, frequently occurring many years after RT has been completed.…”

“…38 For example, the addition of RT to the supraclavicular fossa and internal mammary lymph node chains (regional node radiation) has complicated the evaluation and definition of lymphedema. 47 Furthermore, these complications are time-dependent, 38,48 frequently occurring many years after RT has been completed.…”

“…52,53 Results of this study corroborate those in prior literature, demonstrating higher chances of lymphedema in groups treated by surgery and RT compared to the group submitted to exclusive surgical treatment. 47,48 Fergusson et al 16 RT had a higher risk of developing capsular contracture level III/IV than those who were submitted to surgery only, however, Baker classification was the main method used in the studies, this review included prospective and retrospective studies. 55 In addition, Bachour et al, 56 assessing the risk factors for developing capsular contracture, describe as a limitation the inconsistency for comparing results because the lack of standardization in this classification.…”

Prevalence and incidence of cancer related lymphedema in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

“…Incidence of arm lymphedema following breast cancer treatment Eleven (11) studies reported incidence of unilateral arm lymphedema (20,21,24,34,37,41,42,(45)(46)(47)(48), while one study reported lymphedema of both arm and leg (20). The follow up periods varied among studies from 6 months to over 5 years post-cancer treatment.…”