Prevention and Treatment of Arm Lymphedema After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

The breast cancer related lymphedema is a major but easily preventable morbidity in patients who undergo axillary dissection.The incidence rate varies from 11% to 55% post axillary dissection .With the de -escalation in surgical management and advent of sentinel lymph node biopsy ,the incidence has decreased .In those where lymphedema sets in prospective surveillance and prompt preventive measures are crucial. The spectrum of treatment ranges from exercise and physiotherapy to even surgical measures depending on the severity of lymphedema at presentation.