LymphSens study: the enigma of subjective lymphoedema - how often and why do patients report lymphoedema after breast cancer treatment without an objective measurable swelling? The role of lymphatic and sensory processing problems: a protocol for a multicentre prospective longitudinal study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) at the arm and/or trunk/breast is a highly feared complication following breast cancer treatment and can be objectified using the state-of-the-art criteria based on volume, extracellular water ratio or skin thickness measurements. Although the incidence of objective BCRL is decreasing due to advances in breast cancer treatment, many patients report a sensation of swelling without the presence of objective BCRL, referred to as subjective BCRL. As little is known about the prevalence and the transitions between different BCRL states (no-subjective-objective) over time, as well as about the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors of subjective BCRL, this will be investigated in the LymphSens study.

Methods and analysis

SUBMITTER: Gursen C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12161330 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature