Breast reconstruction and breast cancer-related lymphedema: insights and perspectives

An estimated 500,000 women were diagnosed with the debilitating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in 2022. Lymphedema is not just fluid, but a complex disease characterized by low-grade inflammation, fat deposition, and fluid accumulation, severely affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL). The impact of surgical and adjuvant breast cancer treatment on BCRL has been investigated, and treatments have been modified to maintain a high cancer-free survival while addressing the late effects. In addition, the demand for breast reconstruction has increased in the last two decades, leaving a gap in the understanding of the association between BCRL and breast reconstruction. Early detection and treatment of BCRL is crucial in preventing advancement into an impairing chronic stage, making reliable diagnostic modalities necessary. This review is an updated overview of the various diagnostic tools and the established and evolving treatment approaches for BCRL, providing insight into the research findings published since 2017 on breast reconstruction and BCRL through a systematic literature search. Based on the reviewed literature, the authors could not conclude any sure causality between BCRL and breast reconstruction. Studies suggest that breast reconstruction contributes to lower BCRL rates, but prospective observational studies are recommended for future research.