Lymphœdèmes secondaires

Secondary lymphoedemas (LOs) are related to a lesion of the lymphatic nodes or pathways, occurring primarily following surgery. Upper limb LOs are secondary to the treatment of breast cancer (surgery and/ or radiotherapy) while those located on lower limbs follow the treatment of cervix uteri, vulva, prostate, bladder, ovary, and rectum cancers or Kaposi disease. Filariosis which is the first cause of secondary LO worldwide is not frequent in France. LOs may also be induced by diagnostic ganglionic biopsies. The diagnosis of LO is established on clinical grounds, but cancer recurrence or deep venous thrombosis must be sought in case of recent apparition or aggravation of the LO. Potential LO complications are erysipelas or trophic disorders, with significant functional and psychological impact.