Hot of the Press April 2017
Preoperative Lymphedema-Related Risk Factors in Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Erdogan Iyigun Zeynep, Duymaz Tomris, Ilgun Ahmet Serkan, Alco Gul, Ordu Cetin, Sarsenov Dauren, Aydin Ayse Esra, Elbuken Celebi Filiz, Izci Filiz, Eralp Yeşim, and Ozmen Vahit. Lymphatic Research and Biology. March 2017, ahead of print. doi:10.1089/lrb.2016.0045.
Main findings
- Preoperative bioimpedance analysis demonstrated that 1/5 of the patients had subclinical lymphedema.
- Preoperative subclinical lymphedema is associated with obesity and the number of positive lymph nodes.
- Treatment of the axilla in patients who are preoperatively detected to have subclinical lymphedema should be revised.
Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Differentiating Fat from Fluid Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Segmentation
Sen Yuka, Qian Yi, Koelmeyer Louise, Borotkanics Robert, Ricketts Robyn, Mackie Helen, Lam Thomas C., Ho Shon Kevin, Suami Hiroo, and Boyages John. Lymphatic Research and Biology. March 2017, ahead of print. doi:10.1089/lrb.2016.0047.
This paper explores the use of MRI imaging with segmentation to quantitatively measure fat tissue and fluid for patients with advanced lymphoedema. This study concentrates on lymphoedema in the breast cancer population.
This paper provides practitioners potentially with another tool to assist with treatment planning. It also includes useful information regarding when this technique can be beneficial compared with other techniques such as water displacement, lymphocintigraphy, bioimpedance and indocyanine green.
Main findings
- MRI segmentation may be an appropriate method to help clinicians advise patients on the relative components of fat, fluid, bone, and muscle in a limb affected by lymphedema.
- It can guide decisions about surgical intervention, and inform outcomes after surgery.
