Upper extremity lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer: a review of the literature.

Upper extremity lymphedema - a common, poorly understood, and relatively understudied complication of cancer therapy - is a progressive and debilitating condition for which no cure is available. While advances in cancer treatment have lowered the incidence of lymphedema, lymph node trauma is often inevitable and the number of cancer survivors and elderly are increasing. A review of the literature suggests that research is needed to better understand the incidence and magnitude of upper extremity lymphedema; develop reliable and valid lymphedema risk assessment instruments; improve collaborative research efforts among skin, wound, and cancer investigators; and develop evidence-based lymphedema prevention and treatment protocols. Currently available evidence also indicates that increased clinician and patient awareness and education may help reduce the risk of lymphedema-associated complications through early detection and prompt interventions.