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Anything new about lymphedema?

Page last modified on: January 7, 2009
Question from Barbara: Anything new about lymphedema?
Answer —Carol Kaplan, M.D.: There was an abstract presented at San Antonio describing the results of a study intended to evaluate the risk of air travel and how it may relate to lymphedema. Although no definitive answer to the common patient question about whether air travel can increase their risk of lymphedema or worsen pre-existing lymphedema came from this abstract, it did demonstrate the fact that any lymphedema risk related to air travel would be minimal at most. I think it is important to note that it is common for a patient to ask breast cancer clinicians whether air travel will worsen their lymphedema, but I would caution patients against limiting their life experiences due to this concern at this time. Additionally, I would caution patients against the common use of lymphedema sleeves to prevent air travel-related lymphedema as an ill-fitting sleeve can, in fact, cause lymphedema itself or can contribute to the development of lymphedema.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest updates on breast cancer risk, screening techniques, treatment options, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P.Ruth Oratz, M.D., F.A.C.P. is associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University School of Medicine. She is the founder of The Women's Oncology & Wellness Practice in New York City where she specializes in treating women with breast cancer and other malignancies, as well as women at risk for cancer. 

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.

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