Persistent Lymphedema Research Articles

Comprehensive strategies in breast cancer-related lymphedema prevention: insights from a multifaceted program.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) profoundly impacts patients' quality of life, causing heightened depression, anxiety, and physical limitations. Surgical removal of the axillary nodes, combined with radiation therapy, is a significant risk factor for BCRL. Smarter axillary surgery, coupled with early detection and fostering lymphedema education, significantly improves BCRL management, promoting timely diagnosis and treatment. A lymphedema prevention program encompassing all these factors can significantly aid in preventing, treating, and reducing the severity of BCRL cases. Therefore, our study aims to share our insights and experiences gained from implementing a lymphedema prevention program at our institution. At our institution, axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is performed on all patients undergoing axillary surgery. We surveil these patients with pre- and postoperative SOZO® measurements using bioimpedance spectroscopy to detect sub-clinical lymphedema. Concerning education, we use a 3-pronged approach with surgeons, nurse practitioners, and video representation for patients. We have had 212 patients undergo the ARM procedure since 2019, with three (1.41%) developing persistent lymphedema. Our study underscores the significance of a comprehensive lymphedema prevention program, integrating smarter axillary surgery, early detection, and patient education. The lymphedema rate of 1.41% not only validates the success rate of these interventions but also advocates for their widespread adoption to enhance the holistic care of breast cancer survivors. As we continue to refine and expand our program, further research, and long-term follow-up are crucial to improve prevention strategies continually and enhance the overall well-being of individuals at risk of BCRL.

Abstract PO3-12-07: Utility of Volumetric Measurement for Clinical Diagnosis of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Abstract Background: Early detection of Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is crucial since it can significantly reduce the negative impact on a patient’s quality of life after breast cancer treatment. Several objective screening methods have been used in prior studies but have not proven accurate due to a lack of standardization. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), which assesses tissue resistance to an electric current and converts it into a score to measure interstitial fluid content, has proven to be an accurate tool in diagnosing lymphedema. SOZO® is a BIS device that generates quantitative results in real time and provides a Lymphedema Index (L-Dex) score by measuring the patient's extracellular fluid volume. However, there is a paucity of literature highlighting its clinical applicability. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of SOZO® in diagnosing BCRL in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Materials & Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out of patients who underwent axillary surgery from January 2019 to December 2022. Demographic information such as age, body mass index (BMI), gender, ethnicity, disease pathology, cancer stage, type of axillary surgery, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment received was recorded. Patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and/or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were assessed for their preoperative L-Dex score, and they were followed up postoperatively with repeated measurements of their L-Dex score to diagnose lymphedema for a year at 3 months intervals. Clinical lymphedema was defined as those having an absolute L-Dex score of more than +10 and an increase in L-Dex score by 6.5 from the baseline. SOZO® scores measured at each follow-up were compared to their preoperative baseline scores. Results: A total of 200 patients’ data was evaluated whose mean age and BMI were 57.5+10.9 years and 29.6+5.6 kg/m2, respectively. Eighty-five percent of the patients belonged to ethnic minority groups. Furthermore, 84.5% (n=169) of the patients had SLNB, and 15.5% (n=31) had ALND. All the patients included in the study had their preoperative and postoperative quarterly L-Dex scores recorded. Pre- and post-operative L-Dex scores had a mean of -0.20+6.6 and 0.61+6.8, respectively. A total of 20 (10%) patients developed lymphedema without symptoms detected by SOZO®, with 19 (9.5%) resolving at their respective 3-month follow-up and 1 (0.5%) patient with persistent lymphedema at the end of the 24-month follow-up. All 20 patients were treated with a compression sleeve. Of the 20 patients with lymphedema, 4 patients underwent ALND, whereas 16 patients had SLNB. When compared to their preoperative baseline scores, all patients' SOZO® measurements had an absolute score of more than 10 and an increase of 6.5 from their baseline score. Additionally, 21 other patients had an increase in score of 6.5 from their baseline measurements but did not meet the cut-off range of an absolute score of +10. Therefore, we excluded them from the diagnosis of BCRL, and none of these patients later developed any signs of BCRL, such as swelling, pain, or discomfort. Conclusion: SOZO® procedure can accurately detect BCRL. In our study, 1 patient developed clinical lymphedema after undergoing SLNB and was diagnosed using SOZO®. Additionally, 19 patients who were initially diagnosed with lymphedema were later categorized as transient due to the resolution of lymphedema on follow-up. Early identification of transient lymphedema using SOZO® resulted in the prevention of a potentially life-long debilitation in our patients. Moreover, our findings underscore that an increase in SOZO® score from the baseline by > 6.5 with an absolute score of more than +10 should be the threshold to clinically diagnose lymphedema. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up duration are necessary to understand better the utility of SOZO® in diagnosing BCRL. Table 1: Baseline characteristics and follow-up data of the patients included in the study. Citation Format: Fardeen Bhimani, Sheldon Feldman, Yu Chen, Anjuli Gupta, Jessica Pastoriza, Areej Shihabi, Maureen McEvoy. Utility of Volumetric Measurement for Clinical Diagnosis of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-12-07.

Solid Facial Edema: A Rare Complication in Acne

Solid persistent facial edema is a rare and poorly understood condition that can be a serious complication of acne vulgaris and rosacea. It manifests as a slow onset of persistent lymphedema in the upper two-thirds of the face and can lead to significant cosmetic disfigurement affecting a patient's self-esteem and mental health. This article presents a case of persistent facial edema in a patient with severe acne and discusses the diagnosis and management of this rare condition.

34839 Game-changer or flop: Teprotumumab may not provide lasting improvement of pretibial myxedema

Introduction: Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is characterized by asymmetric, non-pitting edema, firm nodules, and indurated plaques mostly on the legs, ankles, and feet. Persistent lymphedema and elephantiasis can be debilitating. PTM is associated with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Treatment is limited; corticosteroids are gold standard. Alternative therapies like octreotide, an insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) antagonist, are often used without improvement. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), swelling of the retro-ocular tissue, is almost always coexistent with PTM.

Early Blood Flow Abnormalities in Axillary and Brachial Arteries Precede the Onset of Persistent Lymphedema in Women Treated Surgically for Breast Cancer.

Background: surgery to treat breast cancer (BC) is associated with upper limb (UL) lymphedema, which in some cases may become permanent. It is uncertain whether lymphedema results from injury to either lymphatic or blood vessels, or to both. Methods and Results: a cohort of 200 BC patients was examined 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Axillary and brachial blood vessels were evaluated using Doppler Ultrasound, and patients had their UL examined for lymphedema at each visit. Patients who developed lymphedema 24 months after surgery presented with higher mean flow velocity (MFV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) in both axillary (MFV = 13.57 vs. 10.7 cm/s, p = 0.02; EDV = 5.62 vs. 3.47 cm/s; p = 0.004) and brachial (MFV = 11.44 vs. 8.74 cm/s; p = 0.03; EDV = 5.08 vs. 3.04; p = 0.04) arteries as early as 1 month after surgery. Similar associations were found 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Early abnormalities of the resistive and pulsatility indexes were also significantly associated with persistent lymphedema. EDV measured 1 month after surgery had the best performance to detect patients who will later develop long-term lymphedema, (sensitivity = 73.7%; specificity = 71.2%; negative predictive value = 57.6%). Conclusion: vascular abnormalities precede and are possible causal factors for UL lymphedema in BC patients.

S1‐Guideline Cutaneous Angiosarcomas – Update 2021

S1‐Guideline Cutaneous Angiosarcomas – Update 2021

ASO Visual Abstract: Longitudinal, Long-Term Comparison of Single-Versus Multi-Point Upper Limb Circumference Periodical Measurements as a Tool to Predict Persistent Lymphedema in Women Treated Surgically for Breast Cancer

ASO Visual Abstract: Longitudinal, Long-Term Comparison of Single-Versus Multi-Point Upper Limb Circumference Periodical Measurements as a Tool to Predict Persistent Lymphedema in Women Treated Surgically for Breast Cancer

ASO Author Reflections: A Roadmap to Early Detection of Patients at Increased Risk of Developing Persistent Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Has Been Outlined: What to Offer Them Remains Elusive.

ASO Author Reflections: A Roadmap to Early Detection of Patients at Increased Risk of Developing Persistent Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery Has Been Outlined: What to Offer Them Remains Elusive.

Longitudinal, Long-Term Comparison of Single- versus Multipoint Upper Limb Circumference Periodical Measurements as a Tool to Predict Persistent Lymphedema in Women Treated Surgically for Breast Cancer: An Optimized Strategy to Early Diagnose Lymphedema and Avoid Permanent Sequelae in Breast Cancer Survivors.

We aim to evaluate whether upper limb (UL) circumference (ULC) and UL swelling sensation (ULSS) performed shortly after surgery or later on during follow-up can predict long-term/persistent forms of lymphedema in women who underwent surgery for breast cancer. Eighty-five women completed at least 24 months of follow-up. At each follow-up visit (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery), patients were tested for lymphedema using ULC and ULSS. Two different approaches to ULC were compared: (1) a "positive" lymphedema diagnosis if a difference ≥ 2 cm between the affected and contralateral UL was detected in at least two contiguous measurement points (MPs) and (2) a "positive" result if just one MP ≥ 2 cm. Patients were also questioned about their perception of weight, swelling, and/or tension (ULSS). The gold standard for long-term lymphedema was a water displacement difference between the UL ≥ 200 mL 24 months after surgery (ULWD). Twenty-four months after surgery, 19 (22.4%) women were diagnosed with long-term lymphedema. Using 24-month data, comparison of log-likelihoods denoted a clear superiority of the ULC approach 1 compared with 2 for the diagnosis of long-term lymphedema (p < 0.001). Using approach 1, the best prediction of a woman developing long-term lymphedema if she had a positive ULC in the follow-up was obtained at 6 months after surgery (posterior probability of 60%). Our study reveals that performing ULC 6 months after surgery, regarding as "positive" only women with a difference ≥ 2 cm at two contiguous MPs, is the best strategy to identify women at increased risk of later developing permanent forms of lymphedema.

Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction after Axillary Lymphadenectomy: A Single-Institution Early Experience.

Lymphedema is progressive arm swelling from lymphatic dysfunction which can occur in 30% patients undergoing axillary dissection/radiation for breast cancer. Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) is performed in an attempt decrease the risk of lymphedema in patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of ILR in preventing lymphedema rates in ALND patients. An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent ILR from 2017 to 2019. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative and pathologic findings, number of LVAs, limb measurements, complications, and follow-up were recorded and analyzed. Student's sample t-test, Fisher's exact test, and ANOVA were used to analyze data; significance was set at p < 0.05. Thirty-three patients were included in this analysis. Three patients (9.1%) developed persistent lymphedema, and two patients (6.1%) developed transient arm edema that resolved with compression and massage therapy. A significant effect was found for body mass index and the number of lymph nodes taken on the development of lymphedema (p < 0.01). The rate of lymphedema in this series was 9.1%, which is an improvement from historical rates of lymphedema. Our findings support ILR as a technique that potentially decreases the incidence of lymphedema after axillary lymphadenectomy. Obesity and number of lymph nodes removed were significant predictive variables for the development of lymphedema following LVA.

Re-augmentation of the Axilla Using a Turn-Over Flap - a New Approach for the Surgical Treatment of Secondary Lymphedema After Breast Cancer.

Introduction Scarring and volume reduction of the axillary space resulting in persistent lymphedema is a side effect of axillary treatment in breast cancer patients. The aim of this paper is to describe the reduction of lymphedema achieved with a turnover flap. Materials and Methods Between October 2016 and May 2018, five patients with grade 2 lymphedema following breast cancer therapy underwent reconstructive surgery with a turnover flap. Complete excision of the symptomatic axillary scar tissue followed by re-augmentation using a turnover flap was performed. Subsequently, all patients underwent breast reconstruction using a distant flap reconnected to the thoracodorsal vessels. The circumference of both arms, quality of life and pain were measured before and after surgery. Results An average reduction in pain in the ipsilateral arm from 6 to 1 on the numerical scale as well as an improvement in quality of life (2.8 vs. 7.0) was observed. A decrease in lymphedema especially in the upper arm was identified. No complications such as secondary bleeding, infections or flap loss were observed. Conclusion Complete removal of the axillary scar tissue after breast cancer treatment and re-augmentation of the axilla with a turnover flap results in a reduction in ipsilateral lymphedema and an improvement in pain and quality of life. We interpret these findings as a result of the physiological re-alignment of the lymphatic vessels combined with a lymph node-containing local transposition flap. Therefore, re-augmentation with a turnover flap could be an effective non-microsurgical alternative to lymph node transplantation.

Robot-assisted Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection Using Near-infrared Fluorescence in Vulvar Cancer

The surgical treatment of vulvar cancer has undergone many changes over the last century. The morbidity of open inguinal incisions prompts the search for a minimally invasive approach to lymph node dissection. This study reports the outcomes of 4 patients with vulvar cancer undergoing robotic sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and lymph node (LN) dissection with near-infrared fluorescence. From 2015 to 2017, 3 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva underwent robot-assisted SLN mapping and inguinal LN dissection. One patient with a vulvar melanoma had robotic bilateral SLN mapping only. The da Vinci Xi System with Firefly technology (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and indocyanine green radiotracer was used in all cases. Eight groins underwent robot-assisted SLN mapping, 6 of which underwent inguinal LN dissection. The average operating time was 234 minutes with vulvectomy. The mean blood loss was 124 mL. The operative time decreased, and the lymph node yield increased with each case. There were no wound separations or long-term negative outcomes, such as persistent lymphedema or recurrence. This case series of robot-assisted SLN mapping and inguinal lymph node dissection shows the safety and feasibility of this new technique in vulvar cancer. It may be a valid approach to reduce short- and long-term morbidity.

Risk factors and prediction model for persistent breast-cancer-related lymphedema: a 5-year cohort study

PurposeBreast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can be a transient or persistent condition. The aims of this study were to (1) identify and weigh the risk factors for persistent lymphedema (PLE) among all patients with BCRL and (2) establish a prediction model for the occurrence of PLE.MethodsA cohort of 342 patients with BCRL with a median follow-up of 5 years after the onset of swelling was analyzed. PLE was defined as a hardening of the subcutaneous tissue, the persistence of the circumferential difference (CD) between arms, or a flare-up of swelling during follow-up. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for PLE, including tumors, treatments, and patient-related factors. The prediction accuracy of the model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsOf the 342 patients with BCRL, 229 (67%) had PLE. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of lymph node metastases (p = 0.012), the maximal CD between arms at the first occurrence of swelling (p < 0.001), and the largest difference during follow-up (p < 0.001) were significant predictors for PLE. The corresponding AUC was 0.908. Although inclusion of body weight gains (p = 0.008) and maximal CD at the latest follow-up (p = 0.002) increased the analytical accuracy (AUC = 0.920), the resulting AUC values (p = 0.113) were not significantly different.ConclusionsBCRL is persistent in two thirds of patients. Patients with more lymph node metastases, weight gain, and larger CD since the onset of swelling and during follow-up have an increased likelihood of developing PLE.

Lymphedema following gynecological cancer: Results from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study on prevalence, incidence and risk factors

ObjectiveCancer-related lymphedema is a debilitating condition that adversely influences function, health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of lower-limb lymphedema pre- through to 24months post-surgery for gynecological cancer. MethodsA clinic-based sample of women (n=408) with gynecological cancer participated in a prospective, longitudinal study (2008–2011) using self-reported measures (swelling in one or both legs) and objectively measured lymphedema (bioimpedance spectroscopy) at baseline (pre-surgery), six weeks–three months, 6–12months, and 15–24months post-surgery. ResultsAt pre-surgery, 15% of women self-reported lymphedema and 27% had measurable evidence of lymphedema. By 24months post-surgery, incidence of new self-reported or measured lymphedema was 45% and 37%, respectively. Three-quarters of these new cases presented by 12-months post-treatment. While lymphedema was transient for some women, 60% had persistent lymphedema. More extensive lymph node dissection, receipt of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, increasing body mass index, insufficient levels of physical activity, diagnosis of vulvar/vaginal cancer and presence of pre-treatment lymphedema were identified as potential risk factors (p<0.05). ConclusionFindings support the need for integration of pre-surgical assessment, and prospective, post-treatment surveillance of lymphedema into gynecological cancer care. Future research exploring the role of maintaining healthy body weight, regular physical activity and education about early detection of lymphedema to improve gynecological cancer survivorship is warranted.

Identification of Prognostic Risk Factors for Transient and Persistent Lymphedema after Multimodal Treatment for Breast Cancer.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for transient lymphedema (TLE) and persistent lymphedema (PLE) following treatment for breast cancer.Materials and MethodsA total of 1,073 patients who underwent curative breast surgery were analyzed. TLE was defined as one episode of arm swelling that had resolved spontaneously by the next follow-up; arm swelling that persisted over two consecutive examinations was considered PLE.ResultsAt a median follow-up period of 5.1 years, 370 cases of lymphedema were reported, including 120 TLE (11.2%) and 250 PLE (23.3%). Initial grade 1 swelling was observed in 351 patients, of which 120 were limited to TLE (34%), while the other 231 progressed to PLE (66%). All initial swelling observed in TLE patients was classified as grade 1. In multivariate analysis, chemotherapy with taxane and supraclavicular radiation therapy (SCRT) were associated with development of TLE, whereas SCRT, stage III cancer and chemotherapy with taxane were identified as risk factors for PLE (p < 0.05). The estimated incidence of TLE among initial grade 1 patients was calculated using up to three treatment-related risk factors (number of dissected axillary lymph nodes, SCRT, and taxane chemotherapy). The approximate ratios of TLE and PLE based on the number of risk factors were 7:1 (no factor), 1:1 (one factor), 1:2 (two factors), and 1:3 (three factors).ConclusionOne-third of initial swelling events were transient, whereas the other two-thirds of patients experienced PLE. Estimation of TLE and PLE based on known treatment factors could facilitate prediction of this life-long complication.

Treatment factors affecting breast cancer-related lymphedema after systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy in stage II/III breast cancer patients.

We evaluated whether the sequence or regimen of systemic chemotherapy could be a risk factor for breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE). We retrospectively analyzed 848 patients with stage II/III breast cancer who underwent curative surgery with adequate systemic therapy from 2004 to 2009. Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) was performed in 552 patients (65.1%) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in 296 (34.9%). We evaluated the incidence of LE based on clinicopathological factors and treatments. At a median follow-up of 5.1years, 358 patients (42.2%) had experienced LE and 243 (28.7%) had retained (persistent LE) [120/552 (21.7%) with ACT vs. 123/296 (41.6%) with NAC; P<0.001]. The incidence of LE in patients with taxane was greater than in those without taxane [233/704 (33.1%) vs. 10/144 (6.9%); P<0.001]. Multivariate analysis showed that NAC [hazard ratio (HR), 1.63 in LE event; P<0.001; HR, 1.39 in persistent LE; P=0.02] and RT including supraclavicular area (SCRT) (HR 1.55; P=0.02; HR 1.93; P=0.006), number of dissected axillary lymph nodes (N-ALNs) >10 (HR, 1.37; P=0.01; HR, 1.71; P=0.001), advanced stage (HR, 1.31; P=0.03; HR, 1.60; P=0.002), and taxane (HR, 1.69; P=0.03; HR, 2.07; P=0.04) were independent risk factors for the LE occurrence. In addition to advanced stage, N-ALNs and SCRT, NAC, and taxane were shown to increase the risk of LE, which could help clinicians identify patients at risk for LE.

A Clinicopathologic Study of Labia Minora Hypertrophy

To describe the clinical and pathologic features of women undergoing labioplasty for labia minora hypertrophy (LH) and to determine whether localized lymphedema plays a role in its pathogenesis. A retrospective case series of consecutive cases of labioplasties performed for LH was retrieved from a 10-year period. Clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features were evaluated. Thirty-four labioplasty specimens from 31 women were identified. The women had a median/mean age of 36/35 years (range = 14-62 y) and had noted the presence of LH for a median/mean period of 36/86 months (range = 5-264 mo). A minority of patients had antecedent vaginal delivery (29%) and vulvar trauma (12%) and were either overweight (20%) or obese (27%). About half complained of vulvar appearance and approximately a third each had symptoms of pain, dyspareunia, or irritation. After a median/mean follow-up time of 40/44 months, 3 patients had recurrent LH (9%). The volume of excised tissue was greater for the patients with recurrent LH, than those without (mean of 9.8 vs 5.6 mL, respectively); however, no clinicopathologic finding predicted recurrence of LH. Histopathologically, all LH specimens showed diagnostic signs of chronic lymphedema, and compared with vulvar controls, LH had a significantly greater number of lymphangiectases (mean 15/mm vs 3/mm, p = .001) and showed greater mean maximal lymphatic dilation (0.12 vs 0.04 mm, p = .004), respectively. In addition, lichenification (94%), indicating chronic irritation, and sebaceous hyperplasia (60%), perisebaceous inflammation, and Demodex folliculorum infestation (3%), a constellation of findings commonly seen in phymatous rosacea, were evident. Rather than an anatomic variant, LH seems to be a manifestation of chronic lymphedema, either acquired or primary with delayed onset. Because persistent lymphedema can lead to functional debilitation, recurrent skin infections, elephantiasis, and, rarely, malignancy, early excision and treatment of factors that promote lymphedema would be effective management of this rare condition.

Occurrence of Lymphedema Following Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) for Lower Extremity Melanoma

Background : The benefits of sentinel node biopsy for melanoma are well established, while the risks have received less attention. This study was undertaken to establish the incidence of lower extremity lymphedema following inguinal SNB and to identify risk factors predictive for the development of lymphedema. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing SNB at our institution between January 2000 and December 2007. Sixty-five patients were identified who had a lower extremity melanoma and underwent inguinal SNB in the absence of a completion lymph node dissection. After a minimum one year of follow-up, all patients were surveyed regarding their qualitative assessment of lymphedema. Results: Forty patients returned surveys and are the subject of this study. Fourteen of 40 patients (35%) reported experiencing post-operative lymphedema, with 9 patients (23%) having lymphedema that persisted for more than 1 year. The onset occurred within 1 month of surgery in 8 patients (25%). Lymphedema was described as minimal or mild by 13 patients and severe by 1 patient. Lymphedema requiring support stocking use was reported by 10 patients (25%). An increased incidence of post-operative lymphedema was found to be associated with primary tumors located on the lower leg or foot. Conclusions: Fourteen patients (35%) undergoing inguinal SNB experienced post-operative lymphedema, with 9 patients (23%) having persistent lymphedema for more than 1 year. These numbers are higher than in previously reported series. Location of the melanoma on the lower leg or foot appeared to be a significant risk factor. doi:10.4021/jcs33w

Chronic Idiopathic Penile Edema: Three Cases and a Review of the Literature

Chronic idiopathic penile edema (CIPE) is an exceptional entity with disabling persistent lymphedema of the penis, affecting accessorily the scrotum and the pubis. The onset presents with recurrent swelling of the external genitalia, regressing spontaneously. After 2-3 years the swelling becomes progressively persistent. Mictional and erectile dysfunctions are not uncommon. A thorough work-up including RX, ultrasound examination, CT scanning, MRI imaging, serology and extensive blood testing should be performed to exclude underlying causes, including neoplastic, infectious, vascular and inflammatory diseases. CIPE is associated with significant psychological and functional impact. Surgical correction is the sole therapeutic option. Three patients with CIPE and a review of the literature are presented in order to increase awareness of this rare condition.

Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Factors Associated with Self-reported Symptoms of Persistent Lymphedema Over 7 years of Follow-up

Lymphedema of the arm is a common complication of breast cancer with symptoms that can persist over long periods of time. For older women (over 50% of breast cancer cases) it means living with the potential for long-term complications of persistent lymphedema in conjunction with the common diseases and disabilities of aging over survivorship. We identified women > or =65 years diagnosed with primary stage I-IIIA breast cancer. Data were collected over 7 years of follow-up from consenting patients' medical records and telephone interviews. Data collected included self-reported symptoms of persistent lymphedema, breast cancer characteristics, and selected sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. The overall prevalence of symptoms of persistent lymphedema was 36% over 7 years of follow-up. Having stage II or III (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.07-2.93) breast cancer and having a BMI >30 (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.69-5.45) were statistically significantly predictive of symptoms of persistent lymphedema. Women > or =80 years were less likely to report symptoms of persistent lymphedema when compared to younger women (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.18-0.95). Women with symptoms of persistent lymphedema consistently reported worse general mental health and physical function. Symptoms of persistent lymphedema were common in this population of older breast cancer survivors and had a noticeable effect on both physical function and general mental health. Our findings provide evidence of the impact of symptoms of persistent lymphedema on the quality of survivorship of older women. Clinical and research efforts focused on risk factors for symptoms of persistent lymphedema in older breast cancer survivors may lead to preventative and therapeutic measures that help maintain their health and well-being over increasing periods of survivorship.