Non-malignant breast cancer-related breast edema: an overview
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Non-malignant breast cancer-related breast edema (BCRBE) is often overlooked in the care of women with breast malignancy, yet it is estimated that up to 40% of survivors will experience this complication at some point during or after treatment. Most often resulting from impaired lymphatic drainage in the breast, arm, or chest wall, BCRBE contributes to pain, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and management of BCRBE to inform clinical guidelines and enhance patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify studies addressing the incidence, mechanisms, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies for BCRBE. Evidence indicates that both tumor-related lymphatic obstruction and treatment-induced damage from surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy contribute to fluid retention, with obesity, high body mass index, axillary dissection, and radiation to lymph nodes emerging as key risk factors. Diagnostic advances, including high-frequency ultrasound and tissue dielectric constant measurement, hold promise for early, quantitative detection. Despite its prevalence and functional impact, BCRBE remains underrecognized and poorly standardized in clinical assessment. Increasing clinician awareness, using objective measurement tools, and developing targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies are critical to improving long-term outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
Authors: Emily Deehan, Rayya Harb, Harvey Mayrovitz
Institution: Nova Southeastern University
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7214239135