Tumorigenic lymphedema

Lymphedema-induced lymphangiosarcoma

A series of eight patients with chronic lymphedema-related lymphangiosarcoma is presented. All but one case showed a typical rapid progression and fatal outcome, as has been reported in other series. In one patient the lymphangiosarcoma developed on the chest wall, the axilla and the arm where persisting lymphedema and fibrosis occurred after bilateral mastectomy and bilateral postoperative radiotherapy. In this patient an asymptomatic course and slow locoregional progression of lesions was seen. The clinical picture, the etiological considerations and the therapeutic options of the lymphedema-induced lymphangiosarcoma with regard to the literature are discussed.

Lymphangiosarcoma arising in chronic congenital and idiopathic lymphoedema

A case of lymphangiosarcoma arising in chronic congenital and idiopathic lymphoedema is presented. The literature is reviewed and the diagnosis discussed.

Malignant vascular tumors of the lymphedematous extremity

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The lymphatic circulation in lymphedema

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