Lymphgefäßsystem und strahlentherapie

Radiotherapy alters the lymphatic system in a dose-dependent manner. Lymphedema is the most common side effect of irradiation occurring in 10-44 % of all radiotherapy patients. It has to be distinguished between the transient and chronic form of lymphedema concerning clinic, therapy and outcome. Lymphedema caused by irradiation alone is a rare condition. Mostly, it is a consequence of the combination of surgery and radiotherapy. In contrast to the adverse effects of irradiation, the authors focus on radiotherapy of diseases of the lymphatic vascular system: the palliative therapy of lymphangiosarcoma and the supportive therapy of postoperative prolonged lymphorrhea.