Early Diagnosis of Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Treatment: Bio-Impedance Spectroscopy

Among patients receiving primary treatment for breast cancer, nearly one million patients globally fight the problem of lymphedema (2). The symptoms of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) may emerge at any time following surgery. BCRL generally starts in a stealthy way without any specific reasons. Patients may have symptoms such as swelling, painfulness, tightness of jewelry like rings and bracelets or garments, tingling and fatigue. Damage that occurs on the skin and lymphatic vessels caused by chronic inflammation, infection, minor traumas and fibrosis may cause lymphedema to progress. The initial changes in soft tissue are reversible; however, irreversible, permanent sequel and fibrosis may develop in advanced stages (3).