LAUSR

introduction Lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating disorder characterized by abnormal tissue swelling, adipose deposition, tissue fibrosis, and edema resulting from disruption, blockage, or genetic abnormalities of the lymphatic system.[1] It arises most commonly as a consequence of cancer or the treatments of cancer. Upper extremity lymphedema is commonly associated with the treatment of breast cancer. Lower extremity lymphedema is seen in patients who have been treated for gynecologic malignancy and prostate cancer, as well as melanoma and lymphoma.[2,3] The damage of the lymph circulation results in an overload of lymph fluid that accumulates in the subcutaneous space, causing increased limb weight, decreased limb function, increased infection risk, decreased quality of life, and interference with body appearance.[4]