Lymphatic Function Decreases over Time in the Arms of Breast Cancer Patients following Treatment.

ABSTRACT: In patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema, distinct lymphatic patterns and changed lymphatic contractile function have been described, but it is unknown how these characteristics change over time and to what extent they appear before clinical edema is detectable. Recently, we described the lymphatic morphology and function in a cohort of breast cancer patients shortly after radiation therapy (RT). In the current study, we investigate lymphatic function and morphology in the same cohort after 1 year of follow-up.

Methods

The study population consisted of 28 breast cancer patients investigated 12 months after adjuvant locoregional RT. Lymphatic contraction frequency (CF), propulsion velocity, and the morphology of lymphatic vessels in the upper extremities were described in vi

SUBMITTER: Johannessen AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9481438 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature