A Brief Overview on Postmastectomy Lymphedema

Mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection is the surgical procedure of choice necessary for breast cancer treatment, and women are susceptible to developing upper limb edema, known as lymphedema. It is considered a potential complication with severe repercussions on the quality of life of women, affecting one in four mastectomies in women, and causing functional deterioration, psychological distress, and interferences in their quality of life. It is needed to prevent the development of lymphedema in women after mastectomy by breast cancer.